Van Gilmer, Music Director at the Bahá’í Temple for North America gave an impassioned presentation about his experiences with racism as a child in the southern U.S., his activism in college during the historic “sit-ins” in Greensboro, NC., and his subsequent and continuing involvement in working for equal justice for all people. He talked about the history of the civil rights movement, adding personal anecdotes and commentary on the current state of racial justice in the U.S. Van’s presentation style made the information real and illuminating. He is also an accomplished soloist and composer.