A grant from the Washington Campus Coalition for the Public Good funded the Co-Sponsored Empowerment through Action MLK Service Day Conference with Africana Studies, Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and Black Student Union at Eastern Washington University. The conference was held at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center by director Freda Gandy on Saturday, Jan. 18.
Angela Schwendiman, director of Africana Studies, welcomed guests, and introduced Gandy, thanked sponsors and introduced the EWU Black Student Union officers and professors. The purpose, objectives and outcomes of the conference were shared. Derrick Mobley provided the lunch that included fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, rolls, cornbread and a variety of pies.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Philip Appel, who presented on “Encouraging and Developing Entrepreneurial Opportunities for BIPOC Communities.” Dr. Appel is currently the director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Eastern Washington University where he spent the last five years helping students turn their ideas into businesses. His work with the Commercialization Academy and the Eagles Pitch Competition has helped launch numerous new businesses in the region.
Break-out sessions began with Anna Franklin who brings a wealth of experience with a remarkable 30-year career in health care, including her current role as the Executive Director of Health, Equity & Environmental Sustainability for Providence Central Division. She spoke on the topic of assessing culturally responsive health care. The nonprofit organization she founded, Maji Rising, a health care and education center coming to Spokane to serve those who are experiencing the most need. Dr. Bob Bartlett discussed culturally responsive empowerment in environments, learning spaces, and contexts that foster a sense of belonging, respect and inclusivity, ensuring that all students feel valued for their unique identities and experience. Elaborating on “Creating More Sustainable Environments for Marginalized Students and Residents” Dr. Bartlett discussed spaces that are designed to validate and empower students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Dr. Claudine Richardson represented the Washington State Department of Health and is the founder of Neima Education LLC. Richardson presented a disparities map that compared communities across our state for health needs, concerns and effects. Participants received $100 electronic gift cards at the end of the presentation.