Overview
December’s Standing in Solidarity illustrates the possibility of weaving a fabric of humanity from tattered and broken threads. We have a powerful story to share about how kindness foiled one person’s violent scheme.
The PSEG True Diversity film is Stranger at the Gate, an Academy Award-nominated film executive produced by Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. The short documentary is about Richard “Mac” McKinney, a retired U.S. Marine who planned to bomb the Muncie Islamic Center in Indiana. But something changes when he enters the Center and is greeted by love and kindness.
The film screening is followed by a panel conversation featuring McKinney, a member of the Muncie Islamic Center and the film’s director. The panelists will discuss the importance of interfaith allyship and the unifying power of discovering shared humanity with people who are different from us.
Our panel will be moderated by Dr. Laura Quiros, associate professor at Montclair State University and author of Incorporating Diversity and Inclusion into Trauma-Informed Social Work.
Our panelists include:
Bibi Bahrami, member of the Muncie Islamic Center and founder of AWAKEN, an organization aiding women and families in Afghanistan
Richard “MAC” McKinney, retired U.S. Marine, president of the Muncie Islamic Center and founder of “From Hate to Understanding”
Joshua Seftel, an Oscar®-nominated and Emmy-winning film director who tells underdog stories to create social impact