Speaker series sends message loud and clear

By Suzanne M. Anderson

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church has been awarded a grant from Whitworth University to provide a Speakers Series on anti-racism and diversity and to paint a colorful mural at the church to encourage Lakewood neighbors to “Love One Another.” 

Photo courtesy of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

The church is excited to announce the unveiling of the mural, scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. Festivities will include an outdoor celebration, music and food beginning at noon. 

The mural will be unveiled at 1 p.m. St. Andrew’s is located at 3204 Skillman St. in Dallas. The mural is on Skillman St., just north of Monticello.   

The new mural is being spray painted by Dallas artist Nick Anderson, who has painted several commissioned murals in the area, including in Deep Ellum. 

Nick Anderson is a BFA graduate of Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y. He grew up in Dallas and attended Richardson High School Visual Arts magnet. Anderson is a member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. 

The Anti-Racism Speakers Series, slated to begin in January 2022, will highlight local community members working to promote anti-racism, diversity and inclusion. Speakers expected include Lincoln High School dance instructor Iris Wyatt, whose dance students created a video to the anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” 

Artist Daniel Gunn is also expected to speak about his art and the mural he created on the steps of the Perot Museum. 

Other community artists and leaders are expected to participate in the series. 

“We were delighted to receive the grant award from Whitworth University because it supports a critical principal of our faith and our church to love one another,” said Rev. Rob Leischner, pastor of St. Andrew’s. 

“The speaker’s series and our new mural send the message loud and clear that our church is a place for everyone.” 

Community members of all ages are invited to the mural unveiling on Nov. 7 and the Anti-Racism Speakers Series. 

For information, consult St. Andrew’s Church Facebook page or call the church office at 214-821-9989.