COVID-19 and Communities of Color
Communities of color, which have historically faced health disparities, have been affected much more severely by the COVID-19 pandemic than other groups. In this session from the Minority Attorney Conference 2021, the panel discusses health equity, the importance of access to health care, and the impact COVID-19 has had on communities of color.
Women of Color in Leadership
We stand at a pivotal moment for women’s leadership and equity across the state and worldwide. With the first woman of color in one of the highest leadership positions in the nation, now is the time to become part of the movement for change so that future generations can live in a world where everyone’s voice is heard.
Our esteemed panel discusses the rise to leadership and what it takes to get to the top by delving into the dynamics of government, higher education, politics, and the Bench. Join us for a lively discussion about leadership, what it means to be a leader and a woman of color and things you should consider as you advance your legal career. Panelists will share their unique experience while providing practical tips and strategies that can be used in the workplace.
Environmental Issues Affecting Minority Communities
W.E.B. Dubois in The Souls of Black Folk wrote that “the problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color-line.” From an environmental perspective, the problem of the twenty-first century is climate change. This panel will explore the intersection of environmental challenges and communities of color. Come and learn about:
- PA Department of Environmental Protection’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
- Legal and policy advancements in the area of environmental justice
- Diversity and inclusion efforts of the environmental bar
Financial Recovery: How do Businesses Recover from COVID?
Not since President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 have we seen such an opportunity for U.S. infrastructure investment. Congress and the president are currently haggling over an infrastructure bill with trillions of dollars in spending.
With the investment in post-pandemic recovery, will minority communities of Pennsylvania benefit in ways that will overcome the structural racism in the employment and business sectors? Our panelists discuss how businesses and communities may benefit from recovery programs and how they may surmount structural inequities that often impede access.
Professional Athletes and Social/Criminal Justice Reform
Professional athletes have often been among those leading the charge against police misconduct and the historic mistreatment of Blacks and other minorities for many years. The saving grace of sports is that on any given occasion, thousands of individuals with dramatically different realities and truths can be under one roof and cheer for one team or boo one opponent. Professional athletes continue to speak out with inspiring voices and actions in the fight against systemic racism and violence and continue to seek impactful and meaningful change.
Join Pennsylvania sports legends Franco Harris, Maurice Cheeks and Reggie Wilkes as they discuss with our esteemed panel how professional athletes have used their platforms to promote social and criminal justice awareness.
Recorded in October 2021.