Valarie Kaur honored at 2023" Dare to Understand" Award Ceremony

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Imam Quaiser Abdullah, Board Chair, Valarie Kaur, and Abby Stamelman Hocky, Executive Director

On March 2, 2023, Interfaith Philadelphia honored Valarie Kaur with our 2023 Dare to Understand Award at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Associate Pastor, Rev. Rebecca Kirkpatrick's invocation set the tone for a meaningful experience. Imam Quaiser Abdullah, Board Chair of Interfaith Philadelphia, spoke about the critical work of Interfaith Philadelphia in these times and highlighted the significance and past recipients of the Dare to Understand Award.
Rev. Joyce Shin presents the 2023 Dare to Understand Award 

Board Member Rev. Joyce Shin presented Valarie Kaur with the award, a print titled “Understanding” created by Krista Bard. Rev. Shin remarked, “[Valarie Kaur] has listened to victims and perpetrators, to allies and opponents. …We can make a change that stands the test of time if we ground it in wisdom about how to love others, our opponents, and ourselves.”
Trina Gary in dialogue with Valarie Kaur

Valarie Kaur
Valarie Kaur artistically presented her vision for a world governed by revolutionary love with the approximately 150 people in attendance and another 100 virtual attendees. She further explored stories and ideas from her book See No Stranger in conversation with educational consultant and long-time friend of Interfaith Philadelphia, Trina Gary, followed by audience questions.  
Attendees waited in line to speak with Kaur for over an hour after the ceremony, taking selfies at the front and hugging as they shared their stories.

Attendees gathered around bright flowers and decadent desserts while meeting new people and greeting old friends. 

Watch a video from the event
Special thanks to Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, our board of directors, supporters,
and our sponsors!


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