The annual Hope for the Future conference for Black, Indigenous and people of color in Mennonite Church USA will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Damascus Road Antiracism Process and its role in the Anabaptist commitment to justice and reconciliation Feb. 28-March 2 at Goshen College.

In addition to BIPOC leaders, this year’s event welcomes White allies engaged in dismantling racism.

“We want to invite people who are curious about our struggle and our antiracism journey as Mennonites, including people who have participated in a Damascus Road or Roots of Justice antiracism training,” said Sue Park-Hur, director of racial-ethnic engagement for MC USA. “We invite them to come to share their stories of how it has impacted their church or lives. We also welcome students and young adults who want to learn more about our history.”

Founded in 1995 by Mennonite Central Committee U.S., the Damascus Road Antiracism Process pioneered antiracism training for Mennonite and Anabaptist communities.

Since 2012, Roots of Justice has continued the work of Damascus Road, expanding to other faith communities and secular organizations.

Keynote speakers are Lerone A. Martin, associate professor of religious studies and director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University, and Regina Shands Stoltzfus, professor of peace, justice and conflict studies at Goshen College and co-founder of the Damascus Road Antiracism Process.

“This year’s event is an opportunity to meet with longtime advocates and educators to see the long vision,” Park-Hur said. “We can lean on the wisdom and the resilience of these folks.”

Worship speakers include Iris de León-Hartshorn, associate executive director of operations and director of human resources for MC USA, who has spent her life promoting antiracism and intercultural competency, and Suzette Shreffler, a co-pastor of White River Cheyenne Mennonite Church in Busby, Mont. They will speak on “Enlightened by God’s Hope,” inspired by Ephesians 1:18.

Cristian Alemán, outreach coordinator and director of bilingual music at College Mennonite Church in Goshen, will lead music.