New York Society for Ethical Culture 150th Anniversary Gala
In-Person and Online!
The New York Society for Ethical Culture is celebrating our 150th birthday and you’re invited! Join our Members, friends, and progressive allies for an evening of special guests, toasts, live music, good food, and changemaking community at our landmark meeting house as we honor our past and reconnect for what’s next.
Special Guest Felipe Luciano:
Activist, Poet, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, Author, and Radio Host
We’re honored to welcome special guest Felipe Luciano, a champion for justice and ethical action in New York City.
A native of East Harlem’s Afro-Puerto Rican community and a founding member of the massively influential poetry and music collective The Last Poets, in 1969 Felipe co-founded the New York City chapter of the Puerto Rican Young Lords, later The Young Lords Party, whose radical grassroots community organizing and political activism confronted poverty, economic exploitation, and racism head-on, and built cross-racial coalitions to create lasting change in the city.
Later, as a journalist, Felipe was honored with two Emmy Awards for his reporting, and became the first person of Puerto Rican descent to anchor a major U.S. news broadcast. Felipe now hosts What’s Going On! every Thursday on WBAI.
FREE 4:30PM and 5:15PM • ‘Ethical Experiences’ Workshops
Experience a taste of what Ethical Culture has to offer! Chose optional add-ons being held before our main program:
Poetry Circle with Elinore Kaplan
Bring a favorite poem to read aloud, or just listen attentively and explore what moves us—a single word, a striking image, or the overall feeling of the piece. You’re welcome to share a few sentences about the poet, too.
Colloquy with Leader Dr. Richard Koral
Share your reflections on a chosen topic presented through parables, quotes, and poems. There are no right or wrong answers; there is no debate – only your individual response shared in a contemplative atmosphere.
Ethical Motion with Society Artist-in-Residence Jody Sperling
Join dancer and choreographer Jody Sperling, founder and artistic director of Time Lapse Dance, for an experiential movement workshop. People of all ages, abilities, and prior movement experience are welcome!
6:00PM • Anniversary Presentation
•Remarks by New York Society and Ethical Culture Movement leaders
•A look back at the Society’s history and progressive impact on New York City and beyond
•A special performance by our own acclaimed young cellist Nathaniel
•A special panel on Ethical Culture and The Encampment for Citizenship, featuring esteemed alumni including New York City Council Member Gale Brewer; former NYS Assembly Member and Manhattan Democratic Party Leader Keith Wright; dancer, producer, educator, and activist Glory Van Scott; Broadway producer and Fortune Society founder David Rothenberg; and New York Society for Ethical Culture Leader Emerita Dr. Anne Klaeysen
7:30PM • Reception and Celebration
•A live string quartet (Shawn Barnett, violin; Corinne Bennet, violin; Marandi Hostetter, viola; Sam Brinkley, cello)
•Hors d’oeuvres, wine, and other refreshments–and many toasts!
We Hope You’ll Join Us for This Historic Celebration!