Avery Elem-Junior High School issued the following announcement on March 12.
The Human Rights Education Institute invites the public to a free presentation Saturday with a former neo-Nazi member.
Sean Gillespie "has renounced his racist past and reaches out to communities and young people to speak about his experience and journey to redemption through forgiveness," a press release said.
"The Courageous Conversation" with Gillespie is scheduled 1:30 to 3 p.m. at HREI, 414 W. Fort Grounds Drive.
Gillespie was 21 when he was sentenced in April 2005 to 39 years in prison for firebombing a Jewish temple and later trying to send a racist letter to the congregation, according to the release.
Gillespie, a Spokane native, said his goal now is "to demonstrate that hate does not belong in our northwest communities and that redemption is possible, despite obstacles in our way. Together Idaho and Washington can show the greatness of diversity and power of uniting our neighbors against bigotry.”
HREI Board President Col. Mark S. Coppess said the board is grateful for Gillespie’s willingness to share his story.
“We are excited for HREI to have this opportunity to showcase the personal story of a human rights learning process in our community," he said.
Jeanette Laster, HREI executive director and Dr. Scott Finnie, Eastern Washington University, will be co-facilitating the program.
Original source can be found here.
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