Dr. Florence Wakoko-Studstill is a builder of bridges between Columbus and communities in Africa and also between communities within Columbus itself. She’s a distinguished expert on topics that include diversity, poverty, gender disparity, microfinancing and much more. Dr. Wakoko-Studstill is a published author and a researcher, program manager, conference organizer and college professor.

Our Sunday services begin at 11 a.m. but please do join us for coffee, refreshments and conversation any time after 10:15 a.m.

Dr. Wakoko’s talk Sunday will be closely related to the Second Principle of Unitarian Universalism: “Justice, equity and compassion in human relations.” (She says “Wakoko” is acceptable on second reference. Florence is married to UU member John Studstill.)  She’s an associate professor at  Columbus State University, where she specializes in rural sociology. She also has served as coordinator or the African Studies Certificate program at CSU, and she was a two-time Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow at Makerere University in Uganda, where she earned a degree in political science. Dr. Wakoko earned two graduate degrees from Ohio State University—a master’s degree in women’s studies and a doctorate in rural studies. She frequently works in Africa. Dr. Wakoko also was the founder in 2010 of the Diversity Partnership Initiative between CSU and the Columbus Mayor’s Commission on Unity, Diversity and Prosperity. This partnership builds on her 10 years of service as chair of the faculty Senate Diversity Committee at CSU. (Again, all related to our Second Principle.)

Sunday services at our Fellowship typically are centered on a talk—either one of our members or by a guest speaker, like Dr. Wakoko. Services also include music, meditation and opportunities (always optional) to add your own thoughts. Unitarian Universalists (UUs) don’t share a creed. Rather, we support each other in our own free and responsible searches for truth and meaning. For us, dogma is less important than treating our fellow human beings with dignity and respect. And visitors are always welcome.

Here’s the rest of the Sunday schedule.

• 9:15 a.m. to noon. Free childcare available.
• 9:15 a.m. Adult Religious Education.
• 9:15 a.m. Children’s religious education. Kids also learn about the world’s great religions and about respecting each other and the planet.
• 10:15 a.m. Coffee and conversation before the service.
• 11:00 a.m. The Sunday service.