An Evening at the House of the Temple

An Inaugural Launch of the Washington Interdependence Council’s

Dialogue on Race” Series

Honorary Chair, Admiral William Sizemore House of the Temple, Grand Executive Director

Featuring Very Special Guest Speakers: Dr. Boyce Watkins and Dr. Bob Hieronimus

Musical Entertainment by Renowned Violinist, Diana Sundsvold

In Celebration of Benjamin Banneker’s Birthday [Nov. 9, 1731]
“America’s First Black Man of Science” and “A Man of Many Firsts”

Banneker’s Many Trailblazing Milestones Also Include Serving as
America’s First High Profile Black Abolitionist

Portrait [The Initiated Eye] Courtesy of the Grand Lodge of DC

The Washington Interdependence Council is pleased to partner with the Scottish Rite Masons of the House of the Temple, with Grand Executive Director, Admiral William Sizemore, serving as Honorary Chair, as we launch our educational forum series promoting greater dialogue on race in America.

Featuring two of America’s most distinguished scholars, authors, and radio & television personalities whose legacy of activism in human relations, and interdependence as a prescribed philosophical concept precedes them – Dr. Boyce Watkins and Dr. Bob Hieronimus. The evening of thought provoking examination of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we want go, brings to the stage two long time advocates of a more civil and humane society which begs the simple question posed by a historic victim of race relations gone awry, Rodney King: Can we all just get along?

In today’s climate of social chaos and disparity, it becomes necessary for America to re-evaluate its future; and examine how we can better map out a strategy that is more conducive to uplifting the human condition, versus falling victim to a counter-productive disposition of hate, divisiveness and despair. Our very future as a sovereign nation, as well as the fate of our progeny, depends on it.

We invite you to come aboard as a partner to help us to celebrate the possibilities of a better tomorrow as we extol the virtues of arguably America’s most unsung hero on the day of his birth, November 9. The program will both examine and celebrate the seminal exchange of letters between Benjamin Banneker and Thomas Jefferson -- two of America’s Founding Fathers who had the courage of conviction to break the silence as relates to the continuing conflicts over the issue of race.


An Evening at the House of the Temple

Inaugural Launch of “A Dialogue on Race

Sponsorship Levels


Founding Fathers $7500

  • Prominent presence on Event Banner

  • Full page inside cover, color ad, in Souvenir Program Guide

  • Twenty Tickets to event

  • Mention in all written and promotional ads

  • Preferred seating at event

  • Special Photo Opportunities w/Honorary Guests

  • Custom framed Copy of Banneker & Jefferson Exchange Letters

Masonic Builders $5000

  • Premiere logo presence on Event Banner

  • Full page color ad in Souvenir Program Guide

  • Ten Tickets to event

  • Mention in all written and promotional ads

  • Preferred seating at event

Revolutionary Thinkers $2500

  • Logo presence on Event Banner

  • Half page B&W ad in Souvenir Program Guide

  • Five Tickets to event


This is a Red Carpet, VideotapedSpecial Event. Mayor Vincent Gray is expected to present a Birthday Proclamation to mark the occasion. Recommended Dress is Business Attire. Gourmet Buffet, Dessert, Wine, Birthday Cake, and Champagne will be served at Reception. Live Entertainment features Ms. Diana Sundsvold, Concert Violinist

Note: Ad specs 8X10, no bleed