Better Together: Rediscovering What Connects Us
Description
Join us for Better Together: Rediscovering What Connects Us, an inspiring evening of music, conversation, poetry, reflection, connection and joy.
Hear from community leaders across faith, education, the humanities, public service and community building as we explore how we can navigate division, strengthen trust and create a more connected community.
Enjoy live music acts, a thought-provoking poetry performance and an opportunity to capture your own creative expressions of hope and connection using vintage typewriters from the Indy Type Shop.
This event is part of the Spirit & Place Festival (Nov. 5-15) and is being held in partnership with Leaders Who Connect, Glick Philanthropies, Indy Networking, Indy Type Shop and Front Porch Records.
Learn more at spiritandplace.org. By registering for this event, you agree that your email address can be shared with Spirit & Place.
Lineup
Foosie
Foosie is a nationally recognized rapper, musician and writer based in Indianapolis. He is commonly referred to as the “Ghetto Bob Dylan” and his latest album “All-American Ghetto Gospel” was released this summer in partnership with Front Porch Records. Foosie grew up in the Mapleton Fall Creek neighborhood and he is a champion for community connection.
Dr. Adam Henze
Dr. Adam Henze is a researcher, educator and spoken word artist whose poetry has been shared globally. He is co-director of Slam Camp, founding director of Power of a Sentence and director of literacy programming at Flanner House. He is a Bureau Speaker for Indiana Humanities and was the Official Poet of the 100th Running of the Indy 500.
Maria De Leon
Maria is a first-generation Latina professional driven to bridge gaps across diverse communities. She founded Indy Networking in 2023 and serves as a Community Leadership Officer with the Indianapolis Foundation. Maria also sits on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana and the Domestic Violence Prevention Network.
State Rep Carey Hamilton
State Rep. Carey Hamilton represents Indianapolis’s northside District 87 and is known for her bipartisan approach to helping governments deliver on their goals to build healthier and more connected communities. Earlier this year, she was named a finalist for the prestigious Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award.
Dr, Rev. Jevon Caldwell Gross
Dr. J is a nationally recognized faith leader, author and professor. His latest book “Not Just Sunday” explores ways to build deeper and more meaningful community connections. Dr. J serves as Director of Church Revitalization and New Church Development for the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church.
A Bright Abyss
Elizabeth “Eliza” Duffy and Kaitlyn Ferry make up this ethereal chamber pop and folk duo. Both are mental health therapists and their music is grounded in psychology, spirituality and lush harmonies. The duo’s latest single “Where Did You Go Jane” was released in August in partnership with Front Porch Records.
Kim Davis
Kim is a classically trained vocalist who sings locally as part of the St. Luke’s UMC contemporary services. She is a great community connector and serves as a Board Member with the Indianapolis Chapter of Girls Inc. Kim grew up in New Mexico and graduated from Butler University.
Michael Marker
Michael is the lead organizer of Better Together. He will serve as event emcee and panel moderator. Michael is the Founder of Leaders Who Connect, a leadership development consulting firm focused on helping organizations strengthen human connection to drive performance, satisfaction, wellbeing and results.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
