Wofford to host free conference on racism, lynching

SPARTANBURG—Wofford College will host a conference on South Carolina’s last lynching, the subsequent trial, a courageous sermon and the continuing challenge of preaching to confront racism.

The conference will be held Feb. 17 from 9:30-4 p.m. in Wofford’s Leonard Auditorium.

The event features the launch of Will Willimon’s latest book, “Who Lynched Willie Earle: Preaching to Confront Racism.” Willimon is a retired Methodist bishop and former dean of the chapel at Duke University.

The day includes lectures from Willimon, as well as Will Gravely, professor emeritus at the University of Denver and longtime scholar on the Willie Earle lynching and trial.

Panel discussions on preaching to confront racism will feature Bishop Jonathan Holston and other clergy from South Carolina.

Actors will be reading an excerpt from “The Lynching,” a two-act play by John Jeter and Lucy Beam Hoffman.

To register, contact Elizabeth Fields in Wofford’s Halligan Center for Religious & Spiritual Life: [email protected] or 864-597-4050.

There is no cost for the event. A box lunch may be reserved for $10 in advance and paid for at the door. CEUs are available.