The Open-Door Challenge

A Weeklong Intensive Symposium for Youth To Honor the Life and Times of Robert Turner
Robert C. Turner in a suit facing to the left.

Robert Turner: A Portal to the Past and Future

Make yourself at home. You’re about to take a journey with your friends. Before you begin, please introduce yourselves to one another as members of a family.

A black and white photo of an old door of a wooden house.

Opening the Door to a Life

The door of a Norfolk, Virginia farmhouse opened to the sound of a baby’s soft coos. Robert Chaittle Turner had entered the world.

A set of doors opening to let light through from the other side.

Opening the Door to New Light

“O friends! Be not careless of the virtues with which ye have been endowed, neither be neglectful of your high destiny....

An open door with light pouring through.

Opening the Doors of Our Hearts

Storytelling offers a doorway to empathy. It allows us to see into the hearts through understanding eyes.

View of a door handle on a door with another door a short distance behind it.

Opening the Doors of the Past

O Divine Providence! Perplexing difficulties have arisen and formidable obstacles have appeared. O Lord! Remove these difficulties and show forth the evidences of Thy might and power.

An open set of windowed doors leading to a bright path.

Opening the Doors of Our Legacy

O Thou kind Lord! O thou Who art generous and merciful! We are the servants of Thy threshold and are gathered beneath the sheltering shadow of thy divine unity.

A wall with a sign on it that reads 'Stage Door'

Opening the Curtain

The tradition of “testifying” holds a place in many cultures and communities. What do you think it means? On the stage of life or on a real stage, how can we bring illumination to this darksome earth?

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Bibliography

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Glossary

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Song Lyrics & Links