Buffalo and WNY: Our Racism Report Card
7:oo p.m, Friday, January 22, 2010
Join us for a panel discussion on Friday, January 22, 2010 in the Holmes Chapel. All are welcome to this open event presented by the Racial Justice Committee of Westminster Church. Panelists will give their perspectives on how well our community has addressed racism - our successes as well as what challenges remain. There will be a time for discussion and questions from the audience.
Moderator: Lavera Johnson
Lavera M. Johnson, a member of Westminster's Session, is a strong advocate for social justice who serves on the boards of several nonprofit, educational and human service organizations. Mrs. Johnson has worked in Human Resources for more than 25 years across many industries. She serves on the boards of: The Nichols School, Sheehan Memorial Hospital, the Workforce Investment Board of Buffalo and Erie County, and Leadership Buffalo. She is also a national member of the Society for Human Resources Professionals (SHRM).
Panelists:
Scott Gehl, Executive Director, Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME)
HOME's mission is to promote the value of diversity and to ensure the people of Western New York an equal opportunity to live in the housing and communities of their choice-- through education, advocacy, enforcement of fair housing laws, and the creation of housing opportunities.
Frank Mesiah, President, NAACP - Buffalo Branch
The purpose of the Buffalo Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People shall be to improve the political, educational, social and economic status of minority groups; to eliminate racial prejudice; to keep the public aware of the adverse effects of racial discrimination; and to take lawful action to secure its elimination, consistent with the efforts of the national organization and in conformity with the articles of Incorporation of the Association, its Constitution and By-Laws and as directed by the National Board of Directors.
Louisa Pacheco, Head Organizer for VOICE-Buffalo
VOICE-Buffalo is a faith-based community organizing project of urban and suburban congregations. The mission of VOICE-Buffalo is to:
Build the capacity of people to act on their concerns;
Create a culture of responsibility and accountability for what happens in our community;
Strengthen and connect our institutions to their communities and
Break down the barriers that are deeply dividing our neighborhoods, city and region
Rod Watson, Urban Affairs Editor, The Buffalo News
Rod Watson joined The News in 1983 and has worked as Deputy Editorial Page Editor and is currently Urban Affairs Editor on the City Desk. He also writes a weekly column on Thursdays for the City & Region section. Rod has a B. A. and an M. A. in journalism from the University of Michigan, and came to The News from the Saginaw (MI) Press. A native of Detroit, Rod’s columns often champion the needs and goals of Western New York minorities, including politics, education, jobs and neighborhood aid. Rod has won several state AP and Publishers awards.