Jefferson County Sheriff Peter Dougherty, Superintendent of Schools Susan Wall, WV NAACP president emeritus James Tolbert and Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church minister Randall Tremba will issue an invitation to build community bridges at a public convocation at Jefferson High School auditorium, Sunday, Mar. 30 at 4 p.m.

Those leaders, along with others from various community organizations, have met monthly as the Cultural Connections committee since June to create a positive format for people of all races and ethnicities to engage each other in small group discussions that build trust and understanding.

As the Rev. Ernest Lyles, the Cultural Connections convener, put it, “The heart of America must be healed one county at a time. This is a good time and a good way for Jefferson County to do its part.”

The kick off program will include the Jefferson High School Jazz Band, the Washington and Jefferson High choirs, plus the combined voices from various county churches will sing, “The time has come for us to work together.” The Jefferson County ROTC will present colors.

Those attending the event will have an opportunity to enroll in one of three conversation circles, Courageous Conversations, Advocacy Initiatives and a book discussion of The New Jim Crow by Michele Alexander.

Groups will meet 2-6 times April through June. Anyone wanting to participate in a conversation circle may pre-register by contacting Arthena Roper aroper@access.k12.wv.us before Mar. 18.

The program will conclude by 5 p.m. All are welcome to attend.