"Cut Dead But Still Alive: An International Conversation" is the focus of a "Fearless Dialogue" event Saturday, July 20, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Candler School of Theology on the Emory University campus.  

Gregory Ellison, assistant professor of pastoral care and counseling at Candler, will read from his new book, "Cut Dead But Still Alive: Caring for African American Young Men," which illustrates a call for action and a blueprint for response to disenfranchised youth who have limited access to education, have been in prison, or have been pushed to the margins in society.  

Ellison's book has received widespread attention: To date, the book has sold out of its first printing after less than two months of its release in June of this year. As part of his book tour, Ellison is hosting a series of "Fearless Dialogues" in communities around the country.  

Music, reflections and poetry, featuring Atlanta's Will Gravely, will be part of the event, which is co-sponsored by Candler's Black Church Studies program. Special guests will include community leaders from the Atlanta Public School System, Atlanta City Council, local grassroots organizations, clergy, parents and high school students from across the Metro Atlanta area.  

The "Fearless Dialogue" will be held in Emory's Center for Ethics, Room 102 of the Rita Anne Rollins Building, 1531 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, Ga. 30322. The event is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the Peavine Visitor Lot at the corner of Eagle Row and Dickey Drive.  

As part of the event, Jessica Johnson's nationally acclaimed Scholarship Academy will host a scholarship/college preparation boot camp in Room 322 at 5 p.m. for the first 50 high school juniors and seniors who register.

Program events include:

3:30-4:15 p.m.: Live music and refreshments

4:40-5 p.m.: Readings and reflections

5:05-5:40 p.m.: Community conversation in small groups

5:45-6:30 p.m.: Book signings by Ellison and Gravely

Community organizations working with young people in Atlanta are invited to set up information tables and share with others the ways they strengthen the community.

RSVP by Thursday, July 18. For more information, email info@cutdeadbutstillalive.com. Co-sponsors include Emory's Office of Multicultural Programs and the Office of University and Community Partnerships.