On Thursday, October 12, FSCJ hosted the kick-off event for the new Bridging the Divide initiative which was developed in partnership with the Rashean Mathis Foundation and Campus Compact's Fund for Positive Engagement.

To an audience of close to 200 students, staff and community members, Keynote Speaker Rashean Mathis presented his thoughts on the disparities that exist across Jacksonville and its four quadrants and empowered the attendees to initiate and participate in constructive conversations to identify creative solutions to build greater unity and prosperity.

The discussion panel, facilitated by Associate Director of Diversity and Social Change for Student Engagement Veleashia Byrd, was comprised of FSCJ Student and Veteran Katie Chorbak, FSCJ Professor Dr. Timothy Gilmore, Jean Ribault High School Student and Member of 5000 Role Models of Excellence Jordan Hills, Crime and Safety Expert for CBS 47/FOX 30 Action News Jax Ken Jefferson, and FSCJ Student and North Campus Student Government Association Chair Drew Patterson.

View the event highlight video here.

Be on the lookout for future opportunities to engage in this effort.

Learn more about Bridging the Divide.