Rev. Barber Returns to the Goose!

Reverend William Barber, known around the world for his dedication to peace and his demand for justice,
returns to the Main Stage at this year’s Wild Goose Festival, and we couldn’t be more thrilled.

 As you may remember, it was largely because of his counsel that Wild Goose chose to remain in North Carolina as part of the resistance against HB2. His call to action at the DNC last July brought the crowd to tears and then to their feet, and put racial, social, and economic justice at the center of the 2016 presidential campaign.
When Rev. Barber steps up to the mic at the Wild Goose, get ready for the experience of a lifetime. Among the most beloved activists and leaders of the U.S. progressive Christian movement, this prophetic voice will challenge you to take action, and inspire you to hope–two things so desperately needed by anyone troubled by the cultural and socio-political landscape of our times.

Reflecting on hearing Reverend Barber speak, a regular Goose-goer remarked:
“When I hear him, I expect to be inspired. But even more, I know that I’ll also be educated.
He gives us all vital, perspective-giving lessons on empire and our evolving understanding of white supremacy,
and the hope of liberation that Jesus brings in his invitation to join the Beloved Community.”

You’ll never forget the summer you gathered with community on the banks of the French Broad River in Hot Springs, North Carolina to hear his lyrical, soul-stirring call for truth and justice. Rev. Barber, president of the NC NAACP and mobilizer of the Forward Together Moral Monday Movement, is a foundational member of the Goose community. In the culmination of working together toward common goals, we welcome him back with joy!

“We must shock this nation with the power of love. We must shock this nation with the power of mercy.
We must shock this nation and fight for justice for all. We can’t give up on the heart of our democracy, not now, not ever!”
– Reverend Dr. William Barber II, excerpt from speech at the DNC, July, 2016