The Forgiveness Journey Exhibition - Cairo, Illinois, October 16-29

John A. Logan sociology students and faculty member, Mary O'Hara were part of The Forgiveness Journey program in Cairo, Illinois this Fall. The program, "through collecting and sharing personal stories, and delivering educational and self-help programs,... aims to reframe the debate about how individuals and communities can learn to celebrate difference and overcome division, thereby fostering positive social change... In just one year, The Forgiveness Project has toured its tremendously successful inaugural photographic exhibition, The F Word: Images of Forgiveness, throughout the UK; extended its reach to South Africa, Ireland and America" (Source: http://www.theforgivenessproject.com/exhibition/).

Dr. O'Hara and, SIU scholar, Gina Breen made a presentation on the history of the Troubles in Northern Ireland reconciliation processes there. John A. Logan Students served as greeters for the project. The Forgiveness Journey was organized by the Southern most Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone, and partially supported by a grant from the Carbondale Community Arts' Southern Arts Fund and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

*top photo left to right = Joyce Littleton (in front), Vernon Stubblefield (in back), Mary O'Hara you, Gina Breen (Legacy Scholar, Southern Illinois University, Donna Raynalds (Director of Southern Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone), George Bell, Erica Wells.

*bottom photo left to right = Mary O'Hara and Gina Breen