Grace Church to host Dr. Catherine Meeks for weekend of reflection and racial healing
Grace Episcopal Church in Lexington will welcome Dr. Catherine Meeks, a national leader in the work of racial healing and reconciliation, for a powerful weekend of storytelling, fellowship, and reflection May 16–18. Dr. Meeks, the author of A Quilted Life: Reflections of a Sharecropper’s Daughter, will give a public talk on Friday evening, May 16, at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. A book signing and reception will follow in the Parish Hall. The church is located on 419 South Main St. / Lexington, North Carolina 27292.
Pig City Books will be on site with two of Dr. Meeks’ books available for purchase.
Rev. Les Smith, rector of Grace Church, encouraged community members and neighboring churches across the diocese and local conferences to attend:
"Dr. Meeks is one of the most compelling voices on racial healing in our country today. Her visit to Grace is a gift, and we hope to see folks from across traditions and communities join us to support her important message."
A Quilted Life traces Dr. Meeks’ journey from her childhood in the cotton fields of Arkansas to becoming an esteemed professor of African American studies and a prophetic voice for justice and healing. Her life, shaped by the trauma of Jim Crow, academic rigor, and grassroots activism, is at once painful and deeply hopeful.
"Her story is disturbing, inspiring, and deeply familiar," said Rev. Smith. "It speaks to the legacy of racism in this country, but also to the strength of those who persevere and build something beautiful from their pain."
Dr. Meeks will return to Grace on Sunday, May 18, to lead the morning forum and preach at the 10:30 a.m. service. A social hour will follow worship, providing another chance for fellowship before she departs for Hendersonville, NC.
Attendees from 2CFAR (Concerned Citizens For Accountability and Reform) have already confirmed plans to be present. Rev. Smith said he hopes to see other churches and community groups come out in solidarity.
"Our presence can affirm and confirm our mutual struggle," he said. "It is a way of saying: we see you, we hear you, and we are in this work together."
For those engaged in racial reconciliation and justice work—or simply those looking to listen and learn—this weekend offers a rare opportunity to engage with one of the leading voices in the movement.
"The work of healing isn’t easy," said Rev. Smith, "but when we come together across our differences to listen and learn, we begin to live into the beloved community Christ calls us to be."
