Beckley Register-Herald – Everyone who cares about racial issues in Appalachia is invited to attend a two-day event at New River Community and Technical College’s newly-opened Kyle and Ann Fort Arts and Sciences Building in Lewisburg. Read
“Summit on Race Matters: Continuing Conversations” will begin with registration and light refreshments at 5 p.m. on Nov. 10. New River CTC President Dr. L. Marshall Washington will welcome those in attendance, after which poet Crystal Good will perform her work.
Participants will watch and discuss the film “Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequity” by Shakti Butler, who received national acclaim for challenging viewers to engage in authentic dialogue about race.
Continuing on Nov. 11 at 9 a.m., the summit will feature keynote speakers Dr. Michelle Foster, CEO of Kanawha Institute for Social Research & Action (KISRA), and the Rev. Nelson Staples, pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Beckley.
Diverse panels, including representatives of African American, Asian American, Latin American and Native American cultures, will lead the discussion throughout both days of the conference.
“We envision a series of dynamic conversations that will raise awareness about the discrimination that exists and the need for greater tolerance and acceptance in our state in order to build a stronger West Virginia for everyone,” says Twana Jackson of Lewisburg, a member of the steering committee organizing the event and director of purchasing at New River CTC.