The Rev. Albert D'Orlando fought racism and segregation in the deep south and later vigouously opposed the Vietnam War. His house and church were firebombed in 1965. "He was a tremendous role model who believed that faith means nothing if you don't put your beliefs into action," said Martha Kegel, former executive director of the Louisiana chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. "He was a New Englander who came South and fought racism, and eventually, he became the conscience of the New Orleans community."
Mark your Calendar: Joe Cook, D'Orlando Lecturer for 2010, Saturday, October 23rd at 5:00pm
Good news! We have a D'Orlando lecturer for this year. He is none other than Joe Cook, former head of the ACLU of Louisiana and a member of our church. He was a friend and admirer of Rev. D'Orlando and is honored to be the D'Orlando lecturer for 2010.
The date and time of the lecture are Saturday, October 23rd at 5:00pm in our church with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall. More details about the lecture will be posted soon. Joe is retired now, and he and his wife live in Virginia. Anyone who would like to help with any aspect of the lecture such as publicity, entertaining Joe and Wey while they are here, helping with the lecture and reception, and, of course, contributions to the lecture, should contact Cathy Cohen at cathynola@earthlink.net or 366-0459.
Any help or contributions would be most appreciated! Stay tuned! It's going to be great!
Please put the date, October 23, 2010, on your calendar.
The Albert D'Orlando Lectureship on Social Justice
The Albert D'Orlando Lectureship on Social Justice was established by the First Unitarian Universalist Church of New Orleans in 1995 on the 50th anniversary of the Rev. Dr. D'Orlando's ordination and on the occasion of him being named the minister emeritus of this congregation after 31 years of him being minister to this congregation. During his long tenure as minister of this church, the Rev. Dr. D'Orlando tirelessly fought for social justice in this city. In the 1950' and 1960's. he actively supported desegregation in the schools and all other public places putting his family and church in danger occasionally. He was very active in supporting women's rights as well. He was a founding member of the Louisiana chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and received the ACLU's Ben Smith award for his contribution to civil liberties. The Rev. Dr. D'Orlando died in 1998.
2010 Lecture to be held on Saturday, October 23rd at 6:00pm in our church with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall. - Joe Cook, former head of the ACLU of Louisiana. The lecture is free and open to the public, and there is a reception to follow in the church. Contributions to the lecture are welcome.
PAST SPEAKERS
1996 Clarence L. Barney
1997 Sr. Helen Prejean
1998 David Dellinger
1999 Tom Teepen
2000 Barbara Majors
2001 Rev. Dr. William Schulz
2002 Jim Hightower
2003 Edd Doerr
2004 Rev. Carlton W. Veazey
2008 Rabbi Michael Lerner
2009 Kim Gandy
Gillespie Breakfast
For over 20 years, First Church has hosted a monthly morning meeting of social activists called the Gillespie Memorial Community Breakfast. The breakfast group meets from 9:30 a.m. until noon on the second Saturday of every month to network and share information about new and exciting social justice programs.
Typically there is a guest speaker/lecturer with a presentation and a question and answer period at each Gillespie Breakfast.
For additional information contact Kit Senter at (504) 866-8257 or kitsenter@yahoo.com
Thank you for your continuing support.
New Orleans Rebirth Volunteer Program
The Center for Ethical Living and Social Justice Renewal (CELSJR) exists to contribute to the holistic rebirth of Greater New Orleans and the Gulf Coast Region through programs and services that promote social, racial and economic justice. The Center strives to empower, inform and help build a sustainable, equitable, and inclusive community.
The New Orleans Rebirth Volunteer Program is the anchor program of the CELSJR, and provides more than work and housing to volunteers from across the country. Our week-long curriculum from Saturday to Saturday, examines the history of the city, the flood and levee system breaches, and rebuilding.
The Ethical Living in NOLA Lecture Series is hosted by the Community Church UU (CCUU) and the lectures address community issues.
Please see the website: www.celsjr.org for full details and information about how to send a group of volunteers to New Orleans.
Please consider making a financial contribution to the work of the CELSJR. You may designate your gift to the New Orleans Rebirth Volunteer Program, the N.O. Aids Kitchen, the Lecture Series, or make a general contribution to the Center. A Pay Pal option is available on the website.
The Rev. Albert D'Orlando fought racism and segregation in the deep south and later vigouously opposed the Vietnam War. His house and church were firebombed in 1965. "He was a tremendous role model who believed that faith means nothing if you don't put your beliefs into action," said Martha Kegel, former executive director of the Louisiana chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. "He was a New Englander who came South and fought racism, and eventually, he became the conscience of the New Orleans community."
Good news! We have a D'Orlando lecturer for this year. He is none other than Joe Cook, former head of the ACLU of Louisiana and a member of our church. He was a friend and admirer of Rev. D'Orlando and is honored to be the D'Orlando lecturer for 2010. 
The Center for Ethical Living and Social Justice Renewal (CELSJR) exists to contribute to the holistic rebirth of Greater New Orleans and the Gulf Coast Region through programs and services that promote social, racial and economic justice. The Center strives to empower, inform and help build a sustainable, equitable, and inclusive community.
