NORFOLK, Va. — The YWCA of South Hampton Roads says this year’s Racial Equity and Social Transformation (R.E.S.T.) Conference is about organizing and advocating for communities to make political change.
“And what does it look like when we take power back into our own hands to catapult change,” said YWCA of South Hampton Roads CEO Michelle Ellis Young.
Community advocates and leaders across Hampton Roads are gathering at Norfolk State University to develop the blueprint for a more equitable future.
“This particular conference is all about the Constitution and honoring its intent in the preamble, ‘We the People,’” Ellis Young said.
The third annual event is in partnership with Norfolk State’s Center for African American Public Policy. Ellis Young said it's a Juneteenth celebration to highlight and amplify the need for racial healing, reconciliation, and action in the Hampton Roads region. It features panels and conversations on diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as getting involved in campaigns and policy initiatives.
“We have people who are experienced, people who have been doing this for a long time who are going to share with us some of the best practices,” said Dr. Olusoji Akomolafe, the executive director of the Center for African American Public Policy.
Ellis Young said many community partnerships have emerged from this event in prior years. She said several leaders from different organizations have used the tools learned at the R.E.S.T. conference to better serve Hampton Roads. As many people engaged in Wednesday’s discussions, she hopes the words spoken here will turn into action. Ellis Young wants everyone to walk away feeling empowered to knock down any barriers.
“Government can’t run unless people are a part of the process," Ellis Young said. "So, let’s process whatever our feelings are and put them into productive action to effect systems change.”
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