HAMPTON ROADS SOCIAL JUSTICE CONFERENCE - BUILDING A BETTER WORLD TOGETHER
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H A M P TO N R OA D S SOCIAL JUSTICE CO N F E R E N C E BUILDING A BETTER WORLD TOGETHER APRIL 11-12, 2022 CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY NEWPORT NEWS, VIRIGINA
The Department of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology’s
mission is to present the intellectual foundations of sociology, social
work, anthropology, criminology and geography. Built on a strong
liberal arts base, our programs are mindful of each discipline’s
responsibility to mentor students who will be engaged citizens
in a multicultural, diverse and global society.
MAJORS: MINORS:
• Anthropology • Anthropology
• Criminology • Criminology
• Sociology • Geography
• Social Work • Sociology
FOR MORE INFORMATION
VISIT CNU.EDU/SSWA
FOR MORE INFORMATION
VISIT CNU.EDU/CCEJRP
The Center for Crime, Equity, and
Justice Research and Policy brings
together students and faculty
with local and state leaders and
experts to conduct meaningful
research projects, and to produce
policy recommendations related
to crime, equity and justice.
“There is important work happening every
day in our surrounding communities and
across the state, and our students and
faculty can and should be contributing
their expertise and passion.”
Dr. Steven Keener
Director, Center for Crime, Equity
and Justice Research and Policy
2
FROM THE ORGANIZERS
Welcome to the 2022 Hampton Roads Social Justice Conference!
Society’s most pressing challenges — from racial justice to economic
inequality to climate change and far beyond — have profound implications
for creating a more equitable and socially just future for all. Yet all too fre-
quently people and groups from different sectors working on similar issues
never have the opportunity for meaningful conversation and interaction
with others working on similar justice and equity-related issues.
The purpose of the Hampton Roads Social Justice conference is to facilitate
deeper interdisciplinary and cross-sector dialogue by bringing together
researchers, policy makers, nonprofit organizations, community activists,
business leaders, and the faith community from across the country for two
days of panels, workshops, and networking on the pressing social justice
issues present in our world today.
This conference would not be possible without the support of our sponsors,
the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, Cities United, Anthem Health-
Keepers+, Thrivent, and Made to Flourish, and the solidarity and vast
efforts of all of you who have come from near and far to work toward
building a better world together.
Thanks for everything you do!
Sincerely,
The Hampton Roads Social Justice Conference Organizing Committee
Dr. Laine Briddell Dr. Diane Griffiths
Center for Crime, Equity, and Justice Research Department of Sociology,
and Policy, Christopher Newport University Social Work, & Anthropology,
Christopher Newport University
Charles Cheek
Made To Flourish Hampton Roads, Dr. Steven Keener
Hampton Roads Christian Community Center for Crime, Equity, and
Development Network Justice Research and Policy,
Christopher Newport University
Dr. Johnny Finn
Department of Sociology, William Shackleford
Social Work, & Anthropology, Shackleford Designs LLC
Christopher Newport University
Dr. Linda Waldron
Rev. Kerry Greenhill Center for Education
Caring Neighbors Program Manager, Research and Policy,
Peninsula Agency on Aging Christopher Newport University
3
PRE-CONFERENCE SERVICE
SUNDAY, APRIL 10 | 6 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
CITY LIFE CHURCH
311 SELDEN ROAD, NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA
The Virginia Unity Project, formed in 2016, is a collaborative of
Christian and community leaders working to bridge racial divides.
The service will be centered around “justice and reconciliation.”
America is again at the crossroads of social justice, equity and
progress. The role of faith as a force for good, is being called to
the forefront in churches across the nation. We are grateful for the
opportunity to kick off the Hampton Roads Social Justice confer-
ence with a Night of Faith & Justice. Join us for a night of worship,
reflection, challenge and hope!
4
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
MONDAY, APRIL 11
8 A.M. - 9 A.M. On-site check-in
Continental breakfast and coffee
9 A.M. - 10:15 A.M. Opening Keynote
10:30 A.M - 11:20 A.M. Morning Session 1
11:30 A.M. - 12:20 P.M. Morning Session 2
12:20 P.M. - 1:40 P.M. Networking Lunch
1:40 P.M. - 2:55 P.M. Afternoon Session 1
3:05 P.M. - 4:20 P.M. Afternoon Session 2
4:20 P.M. - 5 P.M. Cash bar and networking
5 P.M. - 6:15 P.M. Evening Keynote
6:15 P.M. - 8 P.M. Buffet Dinner
TUESDAY, APRIL 12
8:30 A.M. - 9 A.M. On-site check-in and coffee
9 A.M. - 10:15 A.M. Morning Session 1
10:30 A.M - 11:45 A.M. Morning Session 2
11:45 A.M. - 1 P.M. Networking Lunch
1 P.M. - 2:10 P.M. Afternoon Session 1
2:20 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. Afternoon Session 2
3:45 P.M. - 5 P.M. Closing Plenary and Call to Action
5
DAVID STUDENT UNION
SECOND FLOOR
BOARD ROOM
MADISON
BALLROOM
LOBBY
CONFERENCE
REGISTRATION
JEFFERSON WASHINGTON
CCE ENGAGE ROOM | DSU, FIRST FLOOR
From the second floor lobby, go down the main stairs
and the CNU Engage room will be ahead on the left.
6
HARRISON
2nd Floor for Graves Fogarty Wedding - June 10, 2022, 12:00 PM
LIBRARY THEATRE
CNU ENGAGE ROOM
20 Feet
LIBRARY THEATRE | TRIBLE LIBRARY, SECOND FLOOR
Go down the main stairs of the DSU and exit the doors
straight ahead. The Trible Library is directly across the
plaza, past the fountain. Go up the stairs curving to the
left, turn right and head down the hallway. Follow signs
for the Library Theatre, halfway down the hall on the left.
7
TRIBLE LIBRARY
SECOND FLOOR
8
LIBRARY
THEATRE
9
THE GEOGRAPHY OF
CLIMATE INEQUITY
DR. JEREMY HOFFMAN
David and Jane Cohn Scientist
Science Museum of Virginia
Human-caused climate change is already intensifying heat waves,
extreme precipitation and other weather events. As the climate
continues to warm from the emission of heat-trapping gases from
burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas, these weather extremes
will continue to intensify. Meanwhile, human settlements like cities
alter the natural relationships between landscapes and their ability
to cope with these weather extremes. Highly altered urban land-
scapes are also the result of decisions made by urban planners for
the last century or more. In this lecture, Hoffman will explore how
the historical housing policy known as “redlining” and other dis-
criminatory housing policies in our history can help us see climate
inequity in the U.S. today, and how we can take action to equitably
adapt to extreme heat in Virginia and all across the country.
Dr. Jeremy Hoffman is the David and Jane Cohn
Scientist at the Science Museum of Virginia, and
an affiliate faculty member in the L. Douglas
Wilder School and the Center for Environmental
Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Hoffman connects audiences to their changing
planet through participatory environmental
research and interactive, hands-on and immer-
sive experiences, earning recognition through his research being
featured in The New York Times, National Geographic, The Washington
Post, as well as being selected as one of Style Weekly’s Richmond
Top 40 Under 40 in 2019 and one of the Grist 50 Fixers for 2020.
OPENING KEYNOTE
MONDAY, APRIL 11 | 9 A.M. | DSU BALLROOM
10PRACTICES OF TRUE LIBERATION:
Saving the Lives of Incarcerated Black Girls
and Women in the 21st Century
D R . T. D I O N N E B A I L E Y
Assistant Professor of History
Colgate University
Abolition is a life-saving practice. The cruel and exploitative nature
of incarceration has affected Southern Black communities since
the end of the Civil War. This system of over-policing, mass sur-
veillance and control is based upon the criminalization of Black
bodies, especially Black girls and women. This brutality continues
today in a carceral system that seeks to punish their very existence,
both inside and outside the prison walls. The history of incarcer-
ated Black girls and women in the South, and more specifically of
those imprisoned in Mississippi’s notorious Parchman Penal Farm,
illustrates how unjust, domineering and brutal the carceral system
truly is. In the shadows of this Southern penitentiary, Black girls
and women have found themselves fighting within a society that
often views their debasement and exploitation at the hands of the
carceral state as justified due to their gender and race.
Dr. T. Dionne Bailey is assistant professor of history
at Colgate University. A historian whose interdis-
ciplinary work focuses on the mass incarceration
of Black girls and women in the South, Bailey is
an activist whose life and work is informed
through social justice. The founder of I Am a Voice
of Women (I-VOW), a nonprofit organization
that aids incarcerated women in their transition
out of the penal system, Bailey views abolition as a liberatory
and healing praxis. Bailey is currently working on her first book
manuscript, “’Daughters of Jim Crow’s Injustice’: African American
Women, Mass Incarceration, and the Business of Black Women’s
Bodies, 1890-1980.”
EVENING KEYNOTE
MONDAY, APRIL 11 | 5 P.M. | DSU BALLROOM
11CLOSING PLENARY
AND CALL TO ACTION
TUESDAY, APRIL 12 | 3:45 PM | DSU BALLROOM
CITIES UNITED AND RUSSELL: A PLACE OF PROMISE:
A JUSTICE-BASED INITIATIVE EMPOWERING PEOPLE
AND CHANGING THE SOCIAL TRAJECTORY
ANTHONY SMITH CASSANDRA WEBB
Cities United Cities United
THERESA ZAWACKI JACKIE FLOYD
Russell: A Place of Promise Russell: A Place of Promise
12MONDAY SCHEDULE
8 A.M. - 9 A.M. Breakfast and registration
David Student Union, second floor lobby
9 A.M. - 10:15 A.M. OPENING KEYNOTE
BALLROOM The Geography of Climate Inequality
Dr. Jeremy Hoffman | Science Museum of Virginia
10:30 A.M. - 12:20 P.M. EXTENDED MORNING SESSION
BOARD ROOM Social Change, Strategically Planned
Paul H. Kabera | Working Diversity, Inc
In this workshop we’ll learn how we as grassroots leaders, even if we
have little to no previous strategic planning experience, can help our
organizations develop powerful strategic plans—the kinds of plans
that invigorate stakeholders and make social change happen. We’ll
begin by solidifying our understanding of sound strategic planning
concepts, and then spend most of our time doing fun, interactive
exercises that immediately apply these concepts. By the end of
our session, we’ll feel confident that we can go back to our existing
organizations—or start new ones—and do flippin’ fantastic work.
TRIBLE LIBRARY THEATRE Educating for Change: A Conversation with College
Behind Bars Film Screening with Q&A Panel Discussion
Priscilla Thompson | Big Picture Educational
Jule Hall | Bard Prison Initiative Alumnus
Dyjuan Tatro | Bard Prison Initiative Alumnus
Dr. Patricia Maulden | Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter School
for Peace and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University
Brandon Brown | Incarcerated PhD Student,
George Mason University
Ken Burns and Lynn Novicks, Emmy nominated, PBS documentary,
College Behind Bars tells the story of a small group of incarcerated
men and women struggling to earn college degrees and turn their
lives around in one of the most rigorous and effective prison edu-
cation programs in the United States—the Bard Prison Initiative.
Through the lived experiences of the students and their families,
this is a groundbreaking story of incarceration, injustice, race in
America, and the transformative power of education. Our panel
will discuss the issues the film raises around higher education in
prison and equal access to K-12 quality education.
1310:30 A.M. - 11:20 A.M. MORNING SESSION 1
MADISON The Revolving Door of Victimization: The Failure
of Reentry Policies for LGBTQ+ People
Susana Avalos | Old Dominion University
LaQuana Askew | Old Dominion University
Narissa Haakmat | Old Dominion University
Evidence-based practices in correctional programming have gained
attention from policymakers and practitioners as critical to successful
reentry since the 1990s. Existing research demonstrates gender-re-
sponsive approaches are an important factor when identifying reentry
strategies. Yet, most strategies have focused on men, largely excluding
women and sexual and gender minorities. This roundtable will discuss
LGBTQ+ people’s societal victimization, their system involvement, the
contexts of reentry policies that contribute to increased vulnerability,
and how membership in the LGBTQ+ community shape reentry barriers
such as housing, employment, and medical needs. Together, we will
have an open discussion on how to alleviate these issues in Hampton
Roads through intersectionally responsive correctional strategies and
community support. Examining reentry policies and procedures that
exist, or don’t, is useful when considering ideas and initiatives for change.
HARRISON Operationalizing Root Cause Prosecution
Tom Barbour | The Virginia Holistic Justice Initiative
Prosecutors may be unintentionally undermining public safety in pursuit
of conventional notions of justice. By asking whether our current models of
prosecution are outdated and themselves root causes of long-term crime
trends, Tom will explore new, decision-making concepts for prosecutors
to reduce harm in communities. Tom will discuss decision-analysis models for
implementing root cause approaches to crime in the everyday appli-
cation of prosecutorial discretion. He will propose metrics by which
communities should judge the public safety return on the decisions of
their local Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Offices. And he will examine ano-
nymized case examples to demonstrate differences in approaches and
outcomes between prosecutorial paradigms of culpability and risk man-
agement. Ultimately, Tom will demonstrate one example of a cohesive,
managerial system by which prosecutors may innovate in their daily
practice to reduce incarceration and reduce crime at the same time.
JEFFERSON Enhanced Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Teams:
An Innovative Tool in Combatting Elder Abuse
Stephanie Edwards | York-Poquoson Social Services
Darcy McLane | Christopher Newport University
Enhanced multidisciplinary teams (EMDT’s) are an innovative tool in
elder abuse cases. The EMDT brings together a variety of disciplines to
include Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, Commonwealth’s
Attorneys, mental health providers, aging service providers, Victim Wit-
ness, Fire and Life Safety and others to stop or alleviate abuse, neglect
or exploitation of older adults. The team is enhanced by the expertise
of a forensic accountant, psychologist, physician and civil attorney.
The unique resources and skills of the members provide collaboration
across disciplines and specialized responses to provide restored safety
and security to older adults. The Peninsula Elder Abuse Forensic Center
based in Yorktown, VA is the first EMDT in the Hampton Roads region,
established in 2017.
14WASHINGTON SHORT TALKS: HOUSING JUSTICE
Frustrating Beginnings: The Impact of COVID-19 on
Housing Integration for Afghan Refugees in the U.S.
Alina Korathu | Youth Activism Project
Carolanne Briscoe | Youth Activism Project
Many Afghan families fled their country due to the ongoing civil war
with neighboring countries. These Refugees migrating to the United
States saw housing integration as achievable in their resettlement
process. However, there has been a shortage of affordable housing in
the United States due to individual strategies and resources, housing
policies, and residential norms. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic
created new challenges of bureaucracy, poverty, and discrimination
for Afghan refugees to access housing. The present study examined the
current literature on the relationship between COVID-19 and housing
integration in Afghan Refugees resettling in the United States. Findings,
conclusions, and future directions were discussed regarding policy
and program development to include short-, medium-, and long-
term plans for refugee resettlement.
Housing as a Security: Dark Money, Shell Corps,
and the Financialization of Housing in Hampton Roads
Alexander Fella | Urban Renewal Center
Across Hampton Roads, anonymous financial firms are pouring billions
of dollars into buying up apartment buildings. They’re renovating
units, inflating rental rates, and evicting poor and working-class resi-
dents—all in a bid to generate maximum profit for their secret cohort
of wealthy investors. This timely analysis of Hampton Roads’ housing
crisis highlights the impact of private equity’s growing monopoly on
apartments, the effect it has on renters, as well as creative solutions
to reclaim the region’s affordable housing.
11:30 A.M. - 12:20 P.M. MORNING SESSION 2
MADISON A Discussion on Mutual Aid
Organizing in Hampton Roads
Taylor Sheridan | Showing Up for Racial Justice
Ammie Pascua | Hampton Roads Reproductive
Justice League
Brittany Cornine | 757 Community Closet
Jay Boone | Keeping Us Secure and Prosperous
A conversation with Hampton Roads community organizers focused
on health, housing, and criminal and economic justice. Panelists will
share personal experiences and insights into the issues facing our
communities and the solutions that they have set out to implement.
This discussion will prompt conversation around the support that
community organizers need from each other and how we can better
align around a common agenda. We will look to the audience for
input on the best way in which mutual aid can be organized in
Hampton Roads in order to solicit active and equal participation
from all community members.
15HARRISON Volunteering as a Way to Impact Social Justice
and Transform Neighborhoods
Dave Hahne | Serve the City Peninsula
Cindy Hahne | Serve the City Peninsula
Allen Kemp | Serve the City Peninsula
Social injustices like poverty, racial inequity, homelessness, and isola-
tion of the elderly are big issues that have been around for a very long
time. If you’ve ever asked yourself the question “aren’t these issues that
take big budgets and government programs to solve?” or “is it even
possible for one person to make a difference when it comes to social
justice?” then you might want to consider joining us as we explore how
volunteering can impact lives and transform communities. Through
volunteering, people can make an impact on social injustice when we
work together and serve with humility, compassion, respect, courage,
love, and hope. Through presentations and panel discussions with vol-
unteers and community members, this workshop will help participants
to see how easy it is to get involved in social justice issues and how, by
working together, many people doing small things together can make
a big difference.
JEFFERSON The Federal Response to Civil Rights, Hate Crimes,
Color of Law, Human Trafficking and FACE Act
Gracie Robins (moderator) | Christopher Newport University
SA Ted Roese | Norfolk FBI
Nick Murphy | Assistant U.S. Attorney
The FBI is the primary federal agency responsible for investigating
allegations regarding violations of federal civil rights statutes and the
U.S. Attorney’s Office advises and prosecutes violations. These laws are
designed to protect the civil rights of all persons-citizens and non-citizens
alike-within U.S. territory. Using its full suite of investigative and intelli-
gence capabilities, the Bureau today works closely with its partners to
prevent and address hate crime, color of law violations, and Freedom
of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act violations.
WASHINGTON The Distrust of the Medical Community by Underserved
Populations as it Relates to the COVID-19 Vaccine
Angela Giles | Arizona State University
Jacqueline Hawkins | Military
Exploring the distrust of the medical community by underserved com-
munities is the purpose of the workshop. The discussion will explore
some of the underlying reasons regarding why underserved commu-
nities such as African Americans and Native American Indians distrust
medical professionals and why vaccine hesitancy may exist among these
groups. According to medical experts, there are a variety of reasons for
vaccine hesitancy. Lack of access to vaccines, a refusal to see COVID-19
as a threat, concern about vaccines’ side effects, little trust in the vac-
cines, or the institutions behind them, and belief in at least one of several
different conspiracy theories or for communities of color past medical
experiments. Although there is no reason why American citizens refuse
the vaccine, there are some past experiences which weigh heavier than
others. Dr. Giles and Dr. Hawkins hope to provoke a healthy conversation
surrounding this challenging and provocative subject matter.
12:20 P.M. - 1:40 P.M. NETWORKING LUNCH
Ballroom
161:40 P.M. - 2:55 P.M. AFTERNOON SESSION 1
MADISON Windrider Theatre: Short Film and
Conversation on the Dignity Of Work
Michael Priddy | The Windrider Institute
D’Shawn Wright | Executive producer
and CEO/owner, Body By D
Experience the power of story and conversation at the Windrider
Theater — an exclusive screening of the short film Big Red followed
by a live Q&A. Big Red is a short film (8 minutes) that tells the story
of Hampton Roads very own Dushawn Hooks: Dushawn is a personal
trainer, shipyard welder, and father whose journey from bankruptcy
to owning his first home is transforming his life and the community
around him. The film will be followed by a conversation between
Dushawn Hooks and the films Executive Producer and award-win-
ning CEO and community leader, Body By D owner D’Shawn Wright.
HARRISON Supporting Marginalized Families through
University-Church Partnerships
Janise Parker | Natoya Haskins
Alexus McKoy | College of William & Mary
Rev. Robert Whitehead | New Zion Baptist Church
Rev. Brenda Christian | New Zion Baptist Church
The presenters will review strategies for cultivating university, mental
health, and church partnerships when direct youth support is provided
to address disparities influenced by K-12 educational systems. We
will describe a university-church partnership that aims to improve
academic skills (e.g., reading and math) and behavioral and social-emo-
tional skills associated with academic success (e.g., organization, time
management, self-confidence, etc.) for predominantly Black Kinder-
garten through 12th grade students. Student support is provided by
school mental health graduate trainees through virtual enrichment
services, under the supervision of two university faculty (licensed
mental health faculty members in counselor education and school
psychology). A main goal of the intervention is to provide struc-
tured academic support, with social-emotional learning (SEL) and
behavioral components. The secondary goal of the partnership is
to develop graduate students’ multicultural competence when providing
academic, SEL, and behavioral support for culturally diverse youth.
BOARD ROOM Spiritual Renewal for Justice Activists
Rev. Kerry Greenhill | Peninsula Agency on Aging
The work for social justice and systemic change takes many lifetimes,
and while the rewards of making a difference are tremendous, the
social, emotional, and spiritual cost can be high. To avoid burnout
in this marathon, activists can benefit from finding regular practices
that help them stay connected to their spiritual source—however
they define that—and from maintaining meaningful relationships that
are a source of support and encouragement. In this workshop, Rev.
Kerry Greenhill, a United Methodist minister, will lead participants
through reflection, discussion, and practice of some simple yet mean-
ingful spiritual practices that can be helpful tools for life’s journey.
People of any faith background, and those with no religious affilia-
tion, are all welcome.
17JEFFERSON SHORT TALKS: REFORMING THE JUSTICE SYSTEM
The Intersection of Juvenile Sentencing
and the Cradle to Prison Pipeline
Stevie Leahy | Northeastern University School of Law
Northeastern’s Center for Public Interest Advocacy and Collabora-
tion (“CPIAC”) is studying and mapping the Cradle to Prison (“C2P”)
Pipeline, a web of legal and social systems rooted in structural
racism that diverts youth, especially Black youth and other youth
of color, toward juvenile and adult incarceration. This presentation
will unpack the concept of “justice by geography” and the 2021
Jones v. Mississippi Supreme Court case impacting juvenile sen-
tencing. Changes to sentencing will hopefully help to dismantle
pieces of the system that are working to disproportionately impact
minoritized communities. This is a pressing need within the legal
system broadly, and this presentation will show how Northeastern
and CPIAC introduce these goals within law school and collaborate
across disciplines.
“There is Somebody Else Taking Care of Our Kids”:
The Effects of Confinement on the Mother-Child
Relationship and Maternal Identity
Narissa Haakmat | Old Dominion University
Prior research reveals that 58 percent of all women in prison and
80 percent of all women in jails are mothers. Research on the relation-
ship between motherhood and criminal behavior are mixed—some
have identified that motherhood is a catalyst for positive change,
while other research suggests that the obligations and strains that
come with the maternal role contribute to antisocial behavior. Through
in-depth interviews with 62 incarcerated mothers in jail, this pre-
sentation aims to demonstrate that the motherhood role, and its
accompanying obligations, has an impact on mothers’ behaviors
and should be an important factor to consider when developing
interventions for women.
CCE ENGAGE, FIRST FLOOR YOUTH VOICE: The Impact of Violence and Trauma
Latoya Delk | City of Hampton
James Braxton | Rise for Youth
William Shackleford | Shackleford Designs LLC
This interactive session will engage the audience and panel in a
candid conversation about the impact of violence and trauma
on youth. The youth lead panel will offer discussions to help
youth in solutions to addressing trauma and ideas for impact-
ful programming. Topics discussed will include, social media,
mental health, retaliatory efforts, perceptions, identity, victims,
healing, and barriers to opportunities.
18WASHINGTON SHORT TALKS: POLICING AND JUSTICE
Is There Evidence of Profiling in Virginia Traffic
Stops? Exploring the Results of Data Collected
Under the Virginia Community Policing Act
James McDonough | Virginia Department
of Criminal Justice Services
Virginia’s Community Policing Act of 2020 mandated all Virginia
law enforcement agencies to collect and report data on traffic
stops beginning July 2020, including data on driver race and eth-
nicity, reason for the stop, whether individuals or vehicles were
searched, and the outcome of the stop. The Virginia Department
of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) was mandated to analyze the
data “…to determine the existence and prevalence of the practice
of bias-based profiling…”DCJS’s Criminal Justice Research Center
published its first report in October 2021. The report reviews the
data collection and analysis method, preliminary findings from
613,483 traffic stops reported between July 2020 and March 2021,
what analysis of driver demographic data revealed, limitations
in the data, and recommendations for improving data collection.
Who Will Survive in America: The Impact of
Social Injustice Police Brutality, and Systematic
Racism in Underserved Communities
Cameron Bertrand | Violence Intervention
& Prevention, V.I.P LLC
In May of 2020 V.I.P LLC set out on an important mission to uplift
and empower people impacted by social injustice, police brutality
and systematic racism nationwide. This mission started in Virginia,
and traveled to ground zero of the 2020 uprisings: Minneapolis,
days after George Floyd was murdered. Despite being threatened,
targeted and unlawfully arrested in several cities throughout our
mission trips, our team has continued to advocate for social justice
by focusing on research and social science, social activism, mental
health, policy and legislation, and civicand community engage-
ment. Our team gathers qualitative and quantitative data that yields
trauma-informed, evidence-based, outcome-driven approaches
that should be utilized at the local, state and federal level to build
equity and affirmative action.
Challenges for Rural Policing
Stephanie Dragon | Old Dominion University
This study investigates the role of police from a rural perspective.
Rural policing faces different challenges than urban police depart-
ments and such challenges can make it difficult for departments
to stay employed and able to respond to calls for service in their
respective communities. Utilizing an organizational analysis and
in-depth interviews at a small police department, this study will
shed light on organizational barriers vested in rural first respond-
ing. Implications and directions for further research will follow.
193:05 P.M. - 4:20 P.M. AFTERNOON SESSION 2
MADISON Foster Care in Virginia: Innovation and Collaboration
Stephanie Valutis | Christopher Newport University
Monty Mason | Senator, Senate of Virginia
Allison Gilbreath | Voices for Virginia’s Children
Jessica J. Stern | Connect Our Kids
Jelani Freeman | Connect Our Kids
Em Parente | Virginia Department of Social Services
Child welfare systems are complex, evolving networks of organiza-
tions working to strengthen families and protect children. The topic
of this panel discussion is foster care in Virginia. Bringing together
policy makers, nonprofit organizations and state agency represen-
tatives, we will engage in an exchange of ideas for the benefit of
our state’s foster care children, families, workers and services. Spe-
cifically, introduction of a technology platform to advance family
search and engagement efforts will be introduced; its potential use
as a portal for resources available to those in or having been in foster
care will be considered; and ideas for workforce recruitment and
retention will be shared.
HARRISON Triumphalism within the Church and
a Lack of Embraced Disruption
Michael Pumphrey | V3 Church Planting Movement
Greg Armstrong | Northern Seminary
America has always had an interesting relationship with religion.
We are a religious people however one may define that term. The
problems we culturally face, the church can run from no longer.
There are dangerous streams running through churches, creating
fallacious postures leading to harmful “power over” structures.
Attempting to be relevant, the church became irrelevant and emp-
tied itself to American ideals. How power has been held and the
systems put in place to keep that power is a dark past our nation
must grapple with. A church that is meant to witness an in-breaking
counter reality to the division, disparity and violence has instead
adopted an American myth that must be exposed. Has the church
succumbed to nationalism? There is a brighter future, but the cur-
rent potency of this cultural moment must illuminate our cultural
dysfunction and the church must own its share of responsibility.
BOARD ROOM We Choose to See You: The Missing Piece of Reentry Work
Sara E. Dimick | OAR of Richmond, Inc
Cynthia Nwarache | Virginia DCJS
Denise Williams | former OAR participant
A lot of the social injustices that are experienced by returning citizens
stem from society’s collective inability to “see” humanity in formerly
incarcerated individuals. This workshop will focus on the importance
of celebrating the humanity of currently and formerly incarcerated
individuals. One of our presenters will share her lived experience with
reentry and share from her own story how hard it is to be seen when
coming home from incarceration. We will look at the gender, racial
and socio-economic status disparities in the criminal justice system
and look at the importance of social connection and its importance
in one’s physical and mental well-being. Participants in this workshop
will walk away with a true understanding of what it means to be seen
and how to carry that out in our everyday reentry work.
20JEFFERSON Who’s Failing Who? Addressing the Lack
of Fresh Food in our Communities
Rickeya Smith | Virginia Peninsula Foodbank
Amy Witcover-Sandford | So All May Eat
Katie Patrick | Grove Christian Outreach Center
In this session, panelists from food pantry programs located in resource-
challenged communities will discuss some of the regular barriers they
face to providing fresh and perishable (the most nutritious) food to
high-risk families living in food-insecure neighborhoods. We will seek
to offer lively conversation and include members from other nonprofits
that may be able to offer ready solutions to some of these barriers.
When we come together to learn the truth about why those living in
some of the most poverty-stricken communities in our region have the
least access to more nutritious food, we can address the issues that
have historically plagued people of color and other minority popula-
tions while seeking true change.
CCE ENGAGE, FIRST FLOOR SHORT TALKS: DIVERSITY AND EDUCATION
The Voices of Youth in Education
Rudrani Ghoshal | Newport News Mayor’s Youth Commission
Gia Yun | Newport News Mayor’s Youth Commission
Michael Mason | Newport News Mayor’s Youth Commission
Newport News Mayor’s Youth Commision members present issues
seen by youth in the high school education system that students
feel are not being addressed by school administrators. Panelists
are from many different backgrounds and currently attend both
public and private institutions for a diverse population in view
of the concerns presented. Concerns encompass a broad range
including, but not limited to, mental health, access to further edu-
cation, diversity, economic differences, in-school programs, and
discrepancies in quality of education. Many students see that
administrative decisions are not adequately addressing real school
issues and want to bring awareness in hopes to facilitate change.
This presentation will be followed by an audience Q&A to lead a
critical dialogue.
Creating Effective Models of DEI Training
for Student Leaders in Higher Education
Esther Kocka | Christopher Newport University
Orientation and Student Engagement
As a Christopher Newport sociology alumna and current staff member
in orientation and student engagement, Esther Kocka will analyze
workshops and training programs created to develop college student
leaders’ capacity to enact lasting change in peers’ perspectives
on diversity, equity and inclusion, which can act as a foundation
for future work and frame their adult life. It is crucial that we not
only invest in developmental relationships outside of the class-
room, but train rising leaders to do the same. Attend the short
presentation and discussion to learn how to 1) address DEI foun-
dationally, 2) facilitate concepts sustainably, 3) create emotionally
safe spaces, and 4) and be willing to learn more.
21WASHINGTON SHORT TALKS: THE LIFE IN HAMPTON ROADS SURVEY
Investigating Social Justice Issues
Related to Policing in the Region
Tancy Vandecar-Burdin | Director of The Social Science
Research Center, Old Dominion University
The panel will be kicked off with an introduction to the Social Sci-
ence Research Center at Old Dominion University and background
on the Life in the Hampton Roads (LIHR) survey. The LIHR survey
has been conducted annually since 2010 and focuses on the seven
cities of Hampton Roads (Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Virginia
Beach, Suffolk, Newport News and Hampton). Each year the survey
covers a variety of topics related to quality of life in the region, but
of particular interest to this panel, we will discuss the data related
to trust in and satisfaction with the police as well as perceptions of/
experiences with various forms of discrimination by local residents.
The survey methodology and some relevant results will be shared
to introduce the panel session.
Perceptions of Homelessness, Mental Illness, and Attitudes
Towards the Police: An Analysis of Citizen Perceptions
across Hampton Roads
Mackenzie Kibler | Old Dominion University
LaQuana Askew | Old Dominion University
Rebecca Vonderhaar | Old Dominion University
Susana Avalos | Old Dominion University
Narissa Haakmat | Old Dominion University
It is estimated that nearly 6,000 people (5,957) people were expe-
riencing homelessness in Virginia in 2020. Although police officers
often respond to incidents involving the homeless or those with
mental illness issues, they do not often view these issues as part
of the nature of their work, nor are they equipped to adequately
respond. Research shows that police responses to homelessness
have heightened concerns and overall perceptions of the police.
Using data from the 2015-17 Life in Hampton Roads Survey, this study
examines factors that may contribute to public attitudes toward the
police based on their perceptions local homelessness and mental
illness. This research provides insight on the public attitudes toward
the police and what is needed to move toward building stronger
community relations to alleviate local challenges when providing
aid and services for homelessness and mental illness.
22Explaining Variation in Public Attitudes Towards the
Police Across the Cities of Hampton Roads: Exploring
Race, Socioeconomic Status and Political Affiliation
Briana Paige | Old Dominion University
Ida Oesteraas | Old Dominion University
Brooke Baker | Old Dominion University
Leslie Otanez | Old Dominion University
A relatively large body of research has focused on attitudes toward the
police but most of the research occurs at the national level or within
single jurisdictions, rarely on intercity variation in public perceptions of
the police. The Life in Hampton Roads Survey data suggest that there
is intercity variation in public perceptions of the police. Results presented
in annual reports, however, are based largely on bivariate cross-sectional
analyses of single years or comparisons with only the year prior to the
report. This paper examines both intercity and temporal changes in
public perceptions by combining data five years of data and employing
multivariate analyses to better understand intercity variation in public
perceptions. We explore various individual level factors that might explain
intercity variation in public perceptions of the police focusing primarily
on race, socioeconomic status and political affiliation. Theoretical and
policy implications are discussed.
Toward a Better Understanding of the Relationship Between
Attitudes Towards the Police and the Fear of Crime
Randy Gainey | Old Dominion University
Daniel Pryce | Old Dominion University
Allison Chappell | Old Dominion University
Studies in the policing literature have theorized and empirically investigated
the hypothesis that a greater police presence, or community-oriented police
efforts may act to reduce fear of crime. Alternatively, many other studies
have viewed public perceptions of the police as a dependent variable and
fear crime as an independent variable generally with little attention given
to the causal nature of the relationship. The methodology behind the Life in
Hampton Roads Survey data was not designed for disentangling causal rela-
tionships; however, the data do allow for a systematic evaluation of factors
that might moderate this relationship, providing insights on the conditions
that magnify or minimize the relationship. Here we will focus on the moder-
ating effects of gender, age, race and socio-economic status. Results of the
study are discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical importance.
Using Data from the LIHR Survey to Contextualize Qualitative
Studies: Police Officers’ Attitudes towards Defunding the
Police in a Small City
Stephanie Dragon | Old Dominion University
Case studies often rely on census and other administrative data to pro-
vide context to area in where interviews, focus groups or other primary
data collection takes place. Such information is important with census
data providing information on overall populations size, racial composi-
tion, education, and income and administrative data perhaps providing,
for example, similar data on the police agency where qualitative data is
being collected. In this presentation, we argue that, although the Life
in Hampton Roads Survey does not include specific questions about
defunding the police, it can provide a more nuanced understanding of
the context in which the qualitative responses of officers respond to
questions about defunding the police.
234:20 P.M. - 5 P.M. CASH BAR AND NETWORKING
Ballroom
5 - 6:15 P.M. EVENING KEYNOTE
BALLROOM True Liberation: Saving the Lives of Incarcerated
Black Girls and Women in the 21st Century!
Dr. T. Dionne Bailey | Colgate University
6:15 P.M. DINNER AND CASH BAR
Ballroom
TUESDAY SCHEDULE
8:30 A.M. - 9 A.M. REGISTRATION AND COFFEE
David Student Union, second floor lobby
9 A.M. - 10:15 A.M. MORNING SESSION 1
HARRISON Progressive Prosecution in a Challenging Environment
Steve Descano | Commonwealth’s attorney for Fairfax
County, city of Fairfax
When Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano was elected to
office, Virginia saw the election of multiple reform-minded prose-
cutors across the commonwealth. With the help of a Democratically
controlled state legislature and progressive attorney general, land-
mark criminal justice reforms become law. Now Attorney General
Jason Miyares has made it clear that he intends to target the dis-
cretion of reform-minded prosecutors in Northern Virginia as his
top legislative priority and work to counter the reforms of locally
elected prosecutors across the commonwealth. This workshop will
focus on the implications of such an agenda and how common-
wealth’s attorneys across Virginia can continue to reform their local
justice systems – even in the face of opposition from the attorney
general. This workshop is for any advocate who is interested in a
discussion about ensuring that progress continues to be made in
an evolving government landscape.
BOARD ROOM God and Criminal Justice
Michael Burnett | Christopher Newport University,
United Campus Ministries
Anne R Kirchmier | St Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Tina Melusky | Trinity Lutheran Church
Jamaar Jones | First Baptist Church East End
Thurman Leonard | Restoration and Faith Ministry
Howard Miller | Huntington Mennonite
In all religious traditions, justice is a core concern. Faith groups rec-
ognize that criminal justice systems do not always accomplish justice.
In response, people of faith take action: calling for governmental orga-
nizations to improve; working directly with organizations involved
in justice (police, jails, prisons, re-entry programs); providing direct
support/advocacy for people served by those organizations (the
accused, prisoners, ex-convicts). Five Newport News clergy will speak,
identifying justice beliefs/practices of their faith groups and discuss-
ing relevant ministries within their congregations. A Q&A segment
24 will follow.JEFFERSON SHORT TALKS: THE SOCIAL JUSTICE OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Social Services Available to Those with
Co-Existing Disorders in Relation to Brain Injury
Katelyn Oldridge | Christopher Newport University
A lack of knowledge across systems often leads to those with brain inju-
ries being blocked from needed support. This presentation will explore
co-occurring disorders, especially related to those with a brain injury
and how to better access socials services. Social services are an amaz-
ing safety net but also a nightmare to navigate if you have cognitive
impairments. Social services are very specific in which populations can
be served, any deviation can cause a loss in services. Social services help
individuals with paying for medical services like day programs, physi-
cal therapy and transportation. Access to services like public housing,
crisis care, therapy and more is exponentially harder when you need
multiple issues addressed, leading to co-occurring disorders not being
treated together.
My Body, My Future: Navigating Reproductive
Healthcare in the Oklahoma Landscape
Alexandra Noelle Stewart | Arizona State University
Oklahoma is well-known as a state that has been less than welcoming
to reproductive rights. Most media attention in Oklahoma spotlights
abortion legislation and political opinions towards it – but is it possible
that the fight for abortion rights has overshadowed other important
aspects of reproductive health care? We have little information on how
women in Oklahoma experience reproductive health care themselves,
which this research seeks to directly remedy. By the end of this presen-
tation, participants will walk away with a better understanding of why
female reproductive health care in Oklahoma is relevant to a broader dis-
cussion about reproductive rights and justice, as well as greater insight
into barriers that Oklahoma women face in obtaining the various forms
of reproductive health care that they need.
Defying the Odds, Learning from Those
Once-at-Risk: An Explanatory Study
Callista Kukawski | Baylor University
Despite decades of research detailing the plight of students considered
‘at-risk,’ researchers have done little to examine adults who overcame
negative outcomes for success. Decades worth of research on the at-risk
population identifies vast societal costs, negative life outcomes, missing
this marginalized population with successors who have defied negative
outcomes despite cumulative adverse experiences. By seeking to
understand complex factors of success through a positive lens, the
once-at-risk can be given voice, across industries and generations.
Recent research has increased dramatically crossing areas of study,
continuing from a risk-based lens. By examining the phenomenon of
success there is an opportunity to better understand the interrelated
complexities of systems, focused on increasing success for the once-
at-risk population and improving access.
25CCE ENGAGE, FIRST FLOOR The Cycle of Prejudice
Paula L. Bazemore | Virginia Center
for Inclusive Communities
The cycle of prejudice will help participants increase their under-
standing of the concept and consequences of prejudice, thereby
strengthening efforts to foster an environment of inclusion. Through
this workshop, participants will better understand their own iden-
tities and increase their knowledge about barriers to inclusion and
working across lines of difference. As a result of this workshop
participants will have an increased knowledge around identity and
diversity, and will also identify preliminary actions they can take to
carry this work forward.
WASHINGTON Fair Housing in Virginia
Mahalia Dryden-Mason | Virginia Department
of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Terri Franci | City of Newport News
The Virginia Fair Housing Office is actively spreading the word
about “One of the Best Kept Secrets in America” during this 50th
year of the enactment of the Virginia Fair Housing Law 1972-2022.
During this 75-minute session, participants will walk through some
events in history that made it necessary to have a Federal Fair
Housing Act in the first place, and what are the trending hot topics
under the law. Those hot topics include the July 1, 2020 addition
of four new protected classes including: source of funds, sexual
orientation, gender identity and military status.
TRIBLE LIBRARY THEATRE Understanding the Politics of Critical Race
Theory and What it Means for Teachers
Vivian E. Hamilton | College of William & Mary
Jamel Donnor | College of William & Mary
Hannah Ajluni | Grafton High School
This panel will explore how Critical Race Theory (CRT) emerged in
the 1980s as a legal theory to explain why racial inequality contin-
ued to persist and be reproduced in our laws despite the passing of
the 1964 Civil Rights Act. As CRT scholars attempted to challenge
systemic racism in the workplace and schools, the racial reckoning
following the brutal murder of George Floyd brought with it, among
many things, a backlash to CRT and anything deemed “divisive.”
This has included legislative initiatives meant to temper how race,
inequality, privilege and oppression should and can be taught in
schools. This panel will provide a space to better understand the
historical trajectory of CRT and what this controversy means for
teachers today.
2610:30 A.M. - 11:45 A.M. MORNING SESSION 2
HARRISON Advocating for State-Level Criminal
Justice Policy Reform in Virginia
Brad Haywood | Justice Forward Virginia
Over the past several years, a vibrant, unified, knowledgeable and
diverse, state-based criminal justice reform community has emerged,
led by public defenders and directly impacted people and communi-
ties. Since its inception in 2017, Justice Forward Virginia has taken the
advocacy lead in successful efforts to repeal mandatory jury sentenc-
ing and Virginia’s felony petit larceny statute, limit pretextual policing
practices, improve access of indigent defendants to expert funding,
overhaul probation supervision and bring needed reforms to laws gov-
erning pretrial release. Justice Forward also played a critical role in
expungement reform and Virginia’s abolition of the death penalty. In
this session, Brad Haywood, founder and executive director of Justice
Forward Virginia, and chief public defender for Arlington County and
the city of Falls Church, will share the roadmap he and Justice Forward’s
public defender leadership team used to build a statewide criminal
justice reform community, develop relationships and credibility in the
legislature, devise policy, draft legislation, and mobilize affected people,
communities and allies to make their voices heard. This blueprint has
great potential to advance other progressive policies in Virginia, and
to promote criminal justice reform nationwide.
BOARD ROOM The Intersection of Faith, Politics and Social
Justice: A Raw Discussion of Race, Justice,
Faith and the Forces That Both Hurt and Heal
Alvean Lyons | VA Unity Project
Pastor Kevin Swann | VA Unity Project
Pastor Fred Michaux | VA Unity Project
Chris House | VA Unity Project
Pastor Freddy Villarreal | VA Unity Project
Bishop Dwayne Seals | VA Unity Project
America is again at the crossroads of social justice, equity and progress.
The role of faith as a force for good, is being called to the forefront
in churches across the nation, but not without great debate, delib-
eration and cost. In our modern conversations about historic issues,
with current implications, we wrestle with what “right” means? How
do we define social justice and racial reconciliation, from a faith-based
perspective? What does it look like, feel like, “faith like”? Why does it
matter? And, why is healing so hard to achieve? Join us, for a highly
engaging, transparent and thought-provoking exchange, as we talk
about what most of us know, but so few of us have the courage to
openly explore.
27JEFFERSON Violence is a Healthcare Issue
Annie Wallner | Riverside Healthcare
Felicia Wilson | Riverside Healthcare
Emma Snyder | Christopher Newport University
Experiencing violence can have a profound impact on life-
long health, opportunity and well-being. Individuals who are
exposed to violence are often at higher risk of developing
comorbid conditions as well as experiencing other forms of
violence. The extensive consequences of community violence
jeopardize the health and well-being of individuals, families
and communities as well as cost billions of dollars in medical
care and lost productivity. Although we may be able to iden-
tify and label specific forms of violence, we must recognize
they are all interconnected and often share the same root
causes. Understanding the overlapping causes of violence
while working to protect people and their communities can
help us prevent violence in all forms. Let us collaborate about
how we can take a strength-based approach to connect these
dots as a critical foundation to how we approach our violence
prevention and intervention work.
CCE ENGAGE, FIRST FLOOR Single Point Of Contacts (SPOCs) to Support College
Students Facing Housing Instability in Virginia
Erin McGrath | State Council of Higher Education
for Virginia (SCHEV)
Patricia A. Popp | Project HOPE-VA, William & Mary
School of Education
Tomika Brown | ECMC
Laura Hackett | Project HOPE-VA, William & Mary
School of Education
Melissa Benavidez | State Council of Higher Education
for Virginia
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, Project HOPE-Vir-
ginia and Educational Credit Management Corporation’s the College
Place partnered to pilot a single point of contact (SPOC) initiative
focusing on students experiencing homelessness by providing train-
ing for higher education leaders. Post-secondary institutions provide
services and support for students experiencing homelessness. How-
ever, these initiatives are sometimes limited or housed at various
departments across a college campus, resulting in students revealing
personal information and/or justifying their situation to numerous
college administrators. The SPOC initiative seeks to centralize support
and expand upon these existing efforts. This workshop will provide an
overview of what homelessness can look like on a college campus, an
overview of the SPOC’s training provided and best practices.
28WASHINGTON Diversion Courts: A Focus on Mental Health Courts
Judge Matthew W. Hoffman | Newport News General
District Court
Rian Lewis | Judge-elect,
Newport News General District Court
Andrea Booden | Senior Assistant commonwealth’s attorney
Melissa Epps | Docket Manager, Community Services Board
Brett Smith | Probation Officer, Hampton/Newport News
Pretrial Services
Diversion courts are a growing trend around the country as the judiciary
attempts to take problem-solving approaches in order to address the
root causes of what brings individuals into contact with the criminal jus-
tice system. The Newport News General District Court behavioral health
docket provides services and support to defendants with mental health
issues as an alternative to incarceration. Given the positive impact this
docket has on individuals, the community and the court system, Judge
Matthew W. Hoffman and panelists will give an overview of the docket.
They will describe the origins and operation of the docket and its impact
to this point. Panelists will also provide insight into how behavioral health
dockets can be replicated in other localities across the commonwealth.
TRIBLE LIBRARY THEATRE Environmental Justice Policy and Activism in Virginia
Johnny Finn (moderator) | Christopher Newport University
Mary Finley-Brook | University of Richmond
Shelly Simonds | Delegate, Virginia State Representative
Faith Harris | Virginia Interfaith Power & Light
All too often in society environmental benefits and risks are not equally
spread, as marginalized groups are disproportionately burdened by
environmental hazards. From the risks of air pollution and toxic waste
to the threat of rising seas and the impacts of a pipeline project, dis-
advantaged groups often bear the least responsibility for causing
environmental damage, but bear the brunt of the consequences. This
panel brings together scholars, activists and elected leaders to discuss
the contemporary reality of environmental injustice in Virginia, and to
explore strategies to work toward a more environmentally just future
for the state.
11:45 A.M. - 1 P.M. NETWORKING LUNCH
Ballroom
291 P.M. - 2:10 P.M. AFTERNOON SESSION 1
HARRISON The State of Parole in Virginia: A Critical Look
at Systematic Denials and Their Impact
Angela Antoine | House of Dreams Reentry Consulting
Kari Anderson
LaMar Anderson
Emily Peterson | Christopher Newport University
Lisa Spees | Virginians for Judicial Reform
While the parole system in Virginia has received considerable
political attention recently, a great deal about how it operates
and the impact it has on individuals and families going through
this process is not well understood. This panel will provide an
overview of two years’ worth of data on parole decision making
in Virginia, including the reasons given for parole being denied
or granted. This overview will include analysis of parole decision
making data for 2019 and 2020 in order to analyze the impact
of the COVID-19 pandemic on the parole process. Panelists will
then describe the personal impacts of parole denials on indi-
viduals going through the process and their families. The panel
will conclude with a discussion regarding how to address parole
inequities in the short and long term.
BOARD ROOM Deconstructing Privilege to Reimagine Equity
Charles Cheek | Hampton Road CCD Network
Diane Elson Miller | Chicago CCD Network
We will spend a brief amount of time giving historical overview of
the “created white race” formation within the United States, from
stealing land from indigenous people, developing chattel slavery
and building a modern American capitalist economy. Pictures and
media play a huge visual role in creating/sustaining binary attitudes
and fear of “other” to create dominating power structures. And,
they can also promote change in attitudes and shape movements to
address inequities created by power structures. The presenters will
show a few pivotal “visual” moments in U.S. history that highlight
these scenarios. Both presenters will share of their own heritage
stories with generational privilege and how they have used their
privilege to reimagine equity. Then, the majority of the workshop
will be spent in small contemplative listening circles, where attend-
ees will answer specific questions on their own personal stories.
Groups will discuss the responses, and, how they either resonate
or experienced something different. Our end time will be spent
sharing each groups’ highlighted stories, and, asking for ideas on
personal strategy to reframe privilege within each person’s own
cultural context.
JEFFERSON MWBE: An Economic Unjust Contracting System
Erica Spencer | City of Hampton Economic Development
Darius Hudgins | Truist Bank
Angela Barber | Department of Small Business
and Supplier Diversity
De’Geon Briggs | Greenwood Resource Center,
small business owner
Arlando Budd | Flawless Fitness, small business owner
A deep-dive panel discussion addressing the major roadblocks
that minority businesses face when doing business with the
government (local, state and federal) such as lack of financial
and social capital and access to lucrative markets.
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