Rev. Derrick Hammond, pastor of Oak Valley Baptist Church and elected member of the Oak Ridge City Council, will speak on “Fostering Political Diversity in Safe Spaces” on Tuesday, Apr. 15, at noon during the Lunch with the League meeting of the League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge. 

The public is invited to attend the lunch and lecture between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church, 809 Oak Ridge Turnpike. All are welcome to bring their lunch or purchase a boxed lunch for a nominal fee. Coffee and tea will be served. The presentation will begin at noon and end with questions and answers. 

In summarizing his talk, Pastor Hammond said, “Even in today’s polarizing climate, it is possible to cultivate a culture of inclusion and understanding that serves as a unifying force, transcending political differences. As the pastor of a politically diverse congregation, I will discuss the hows, whys, and pitfalls of fostering political diversity in safe spaces.”

Pastor Hammond holds a B.S. degree in chemical engineering from Auburn University. He completed the dual master’s degree program at Samford University, where he earned master of divinity and master of business administration degrees. He is currently pursuing a doctor of ministry degree in church leadership and community witness at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University.

In addition to his work as an elected official on the City Council, he is an active member of several local boards. Pastor Hammond is married to Davyda Hammond, his wife of 25 years, and they have two children – Ruth, a doctoral student at Florida International University in Miami, Fla., and Alexis, an engineering consultant in Orlando, Fla.