History in many ways is doomed to repeat itself, said Parris M Smith, president of the Lorain County Urban League.
“While the tactics have changed, our hard fought rights are again under attack.” said Smith on Sept. 22 as friends and family gathered for the eighth annual Diversity and Inclusion Conference.
The event, which took place at Lorain County Community College’s Spitzer Center, 1005 Abbe Road in Elyria, focused on advancing social justice through rights and responsibilities.
Hosted by the Urban League, the conference attracted local mayors, teachers, educational branches and a diverse group of panelists for its event.
Smith, joined alongside Urban League Board Chair Cindy Kushner, and the mistress of ceremonies Inez James, welcomed guests and panelists to the conference by introducing the host of opportunities the National Urban League offers.
“We strive to focus on education, housing, student advocacy and health and wellness” Kushner said.
According to data collected by Kushner, the National Urban League currently has over 90 affiliates in 300 communities in 36 states and Washington, D.C.
It serves over 2 million people all at no cost to the community, she said.
Campaigns like Enough Is Enough, VOTE! and No Ceiling, No Success have been created by the Urban League with the goal of striving for diversity in education and ending social injustices throughout the United States.
One particular focus of the event was a push for voting and voting equality in the United States.
Following the tumultuous year of 2020, voting rights and participation now are more necessary than ever, the organizers said.
Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley, who said he has been a proud partner of the Urban League for many years, spoke during the conference.
“Justice is very simple. It’s fairness,” Bradley said. “I had the opportunity to read a book called ‘The New Jim Crow’ and I presented that book to some of the judges … justice is not easy, but it is necessary.”
The panelists included: Petee Talley of Ohio Coalition of Black Civic Engagement; Sly Worthy Jr. of Lorain City Schools; Deb Coco of League of Women Voters Oberlin; Brandyn Keating, CEO of YOUnify; and Anthony King, founder of BRAVE (Black Rights Activism Visibility and Equality).
They discussed the importance of voting rights, marriage and social justice advocacy.
“The National Urban League in 2020 created the largest national campaign in history with their Reclaim Your Vote campaign and they were only just getting started,” James said.
Talley highlighted the reemergence of the phrase “vote like its 1973” with the reversal of Roe v Wade.
“In 1973, people were participating in much higher numbers than we see today,” she said. “And 2020 was the highest participation we saw in this decade, and it still wasn’t enough.”
Voting is essential, even in local election years and midterms, Talley said.
And without it, social justice cannot be served, she said.
