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Toward Racial Justice Series Continues with an Exploration of Elections and Voting

WITF’s series of virtual community conversations hosted by Charles Ellison addressing systemic racism and injustice in Central Pennsylvania and beyond continues Thursday, September 24 at 7pm.

Watch now:

Join us as we examine this year’s election and why voting is so important. During the 2016 election, the Black voter turnout rate declined for the first time in 20 years. That same year, even though Millennials had a 50.8% voter turnout, up 4.4% from 2012, Black Millennial voter turnout also saw a decline.

During this conversation, we’ll explore the reasons why people of color’s representation in elections matter, how access to voting directly correlates with election results as well as talk to first-time voters and explore the detailed mechanics of voting.

Panelists include:

  • Kendelle Durkson — 2020 graduate of Swarthmore College & NextGen Field Organizer for Western Pennsylvania
  • Veronica Ruiz– Lancaster native attending Elizabethtown College
  • Shelice Stewart — Harrisburg native attending Howard University
  • Justin Walton — Lancaster Native attending York college of PA
  • Ralph Rodriguez — CEO, All You Can Inc. Harrisburg
  • Mikell Simpson — Founder, Capital Rebirth Harrisburg
  • Jonathan Tinoco — Centro Hispano of Reading & Berks Co.
Share your personal experiences or ask questions that we can address during this conversation. Email us at discuss@witf.org or share your story using #RacialJusticePA.

Register to Attend

Our goal is to elevate underrepresented voices with special emphasis on giving young people a platform to discuss their views. Race and racism are uncomfortable topics. Our objective is to help serve as a catalyst for change by bringing people together to discuss possible solutions and inspire collective action.

The committee of co-organizers include:

    • Major Kristal M. Turner-Childs — Director, Bureau of Forensic Services, Pennsylvania State Police & WITF Board Member
    • Mark Rhodes — Diversity Educator and Strategist, Owner of Key Learning Consultants and a Commissioner with the City of York Human Relations Commission
    • Jankail Adams — Parent Liaison for the PA State GEAR UP-3 program, Harrisburg School District
    • Sharia Benn — President & Executive Artistic Director of Sankofa African American Theatre Company
    • Corey Dupree — Chief Operating Officer at The Bridge: Eco Village in Harrisburg

Join us on Thursday, October 8 from 7:00 to 8:30pm as we continue the Toward Racial Justice series with an in-depth look at race and identity in the media.

The entire series will be live streamed and recorded so those unable to attend can watch, listen and share. Visit witf.org/racialjustice to watch past conversations and find additional resources.

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