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Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan and the Langston Centre in Johnson City welcome storyteller Sheila Arnold to discuss “Stories We Can Use in Building the Beloved Community, Part 2” at this year’s Langston Centre Lectureship.

The lecture will take place on Friday, April 4, at 2 p.m. at the Langston Centre. The event is free and open to the public.

“We are excited to welcome Sheila Arnold back to the Langston Centre because she understands the value of a diverse community,” said Dr. Kip Elolia, professor of Christian theology and world Christianity. “Through her storytelling talent, she will provide resources that can unite and strengthen our community in Johnson City.”

Arnold is a renowned storyteller, historical consultant and nonprofit director. She is a co-founder and the first artistic director of Artists Standing Strong Together, a nonprofit founded during the COVID-19 pandemic to support artists through digital performance and exhibitions. For this work, the National Storytelling Network awarded Arnold and her co-founder, Donna Washington, the 2021 Distinguished National Service Award.

In 2019, Arnold served as the initial storyteller for “Freedom Stories,” an International Storytelling Center’s National Endowment for the Humanities project. She is a sought-after historical consultant for museum and exhibit designers, helping to develop engaging stories from historical documents, artifacts, buildings and the historical use of land and water.

Arnold’s consulting work includes partnering with Montpelier in the creation of their short film, “The Mere Distinction of Color.” In 2021, Sheila was also commissioned to craft and perform the story of Scarboro 85, detailing the integration of the Oak Ridge Schools in 1955.

Following her faith tradition, Sheila wrote and produced the full-length play “And the Women Were There,” which focuses on seven women who followed Jesus. Sheila received local acclaim for this work and has a long history of being a featured storyteller at national and international storytelling festivals.

The Langston Centre Lectureship strives to strengthen connections between individuals and churches in the community. Funding for the Langston Centre Lectureship is made possible through Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan’s Pathways for Tomorrow initiative. This grant program is funded through the generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc. to further strengthen Emmanuel in the important work of preparing and supporting pastoral leaders and nurturing thriving churches.

Emmanuel is a graduate seminary rooted in the churches of the Stone-Campbell tradition, including the independent Christian Church and Churches of Christ. With more than 1,650 alumni serving Christ around the world, Emmanuel offers four degree programs: Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Christian Ministries and Doctor of Ministry.