in Joliet 2023
Monday, June 19, 2023 from 12-4pm
Schedule of Events
12:00pm - 12:55pm - Black History Bingo
About: Look, listen and learn about the positive contributions of Black women to America. Enjoy a gamified digital presentation, intentionally designed to shine a spotlight on hidden history.
1:00pm-1:20pm - OPENING OVERVIEW…BACK TO THE BLUEPRINT
| Kick-Off: |
Kelly Klobucher, Senior Director of Programs & Education Joliet Area Historical Museum |
| Pledge: | TBD Joliet Official |
| Blessing: |
Reverend Rosalind Henderson, Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Evanston, Illinois. |
| Welcome: |
Greg Peerbolte, Chief Executive Officer Joliet Area Historical Museum |
| Backstory: |
Toni Greathouse, Artivist & Organizer/Juneteenth in Joliet Zoey Bishop, Face of the Future… Carrying the Torch |
1:25pm-1:55pm - INTRODUCTION – THE PAST IS PRESENT
| Moderator: |
Dorletta Flucas Payton, Director of College & Career Readiness Valley View School District 365U Professional Experience: Mrs. Payton is well respected for strategic leadership spanning more than 20 years. Her Ivy league credentials… undergraduate work in Economics at Stanford, and MBA from the University of Chicago; have empowered her to foster environments that are supportive of youth development with an emphasis on community collaboration. |
| Emeritus Speakers: |
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| How We Got Here: | Retired professionals, optimistically reflect on decades of re-adjustment and adaptation to change. They metaphorical address the role of communication, more specifically, how it’s a dance few know the steps to. Speakers share anecdotes (during their tenure and beyond) that helps to illustrate the ways race relations have and continues to evolve and elevate the trajectory of society at large. |
2:00pm-2:55pm - FIRST THE HEAD…THEN THE HEART (Panel 1)
The state of race relations in America is largely shaped by “stories.” The stories shape individual perception and create internal bias. Each story is filled with triggers (words) that unconsciously prompt people to react. Those pivots, used to navigate society, are alternately positive and negative. Awareness is key to consciously choosing actions in a myriad of situations.
Focus: Education is at the Intersection of Everything
Conversation on Diversity Equity and Inclusion. Key regional stakeholders address overlapping responsibilities, and their roles in strengthening the foundation of community.
| Discussion: | 30 – 45 minutes |
| Audience Q&A: | 10 minutes |
| Moderator: |
Dr. Levar Ammons, Director of Equity & Continuous Improvement Valley View School District 365U Professional Role: Dr. Ammons holds a masters from Lewis University as well as a Ph.D. and Ed.D., in Ethical Leadership at Olivet Nazarene University. He formerly served as Executive Director of Equity and Student Success in the Oak Park River Forest School District. At Valley View School District 365U, Dr. Ammons maintains oversight for the intentional effort to build the systems ensuring equity and continuous improvement. His work with community stakeholders, aids in meeting the needs of every learner, every day. |
| Panelists |
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| Purpose: | Carving out space on common ground (at the county seat) to host an uncomfortable conversation. It sets the stage for collaboration by encouraging audience members to do what they can, with what they have, where they are… to become hyper aware of the impact of individual actions. The overarching goal is to build bridges of trust and understanding between diverse people. |
3:00pm-3:55pm - UNMUTED…MINDING HER BLACK OWNED BUSINESS (Panel 2)
Focus: Bridging Gaps in Understanding About Overlooked Talent
Success in America’s tumultuous economic environment requires the type of grit each panelist embodies. Each entrepreneur will share her story surrounding start-up, stops, stumbles, and successes.
Takeaway: The sum of each metaphorical journey showcases the value of leading with authenticity. Each woman simply focused on shining her light. As a result, that light illuminated opportunities to navigate roadblocks and ultimately pave a path to profit.
| Discussion: | 30 – 45 minutes |
| Audience Q&A: | 10 minutes |
| Moderator: |
Toni Greathouse, Founder/CEO Custom Community Creations, LLC 2022 Pivot, ARTivism/Juneteenth in Joliet (Walk of Life) Event Producer Joliet Area Historical Museum gift shop supplier: “Coloring Along America’s Highway” featuring Classic Cars on Rt 66. Entrepreneurial Experience: 1996-2021 Specialty: municipal caricature maps (Bolingbrook, IL). Produced a line of adult coloring books. Former Walmart supplier to stores nationwide (2016-2019). |
| Panelists: |
|
| Purpose: | Carving out space on common ground (at the county seat) to host an uncomfortable conversation. It sets the stage for collaboration by encouraging audience members to do what they can, with what they have, where they are… to become hyper aware of the impact of individual actions. The overarching goal is to build bridges of trust and understanding between diverse people. |
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