It’s more important than ever to learn about history, triumphs and inequities during Black History Month
COMMENTARY
February is Black History Month, and throughout the month there are opportunities around the state to learn more about African Americans’ contributions to Alaska, celebrate our achievements and work toward greater equity and justice for all Alaskans. A highlight of Black History Month is the Alaska Black Caucus’ Bettye Davis African American Health and Equity Summit, which will be on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School.
The summit provides a forum for the Black community to educate policymakers and the public about not just the issues facing BIPOC — Black, Indigenous and people of color — but also the solutions we want to see. The summit addresses critical issues of public policy in the areas of economics, justice, education and health. It is the principal gathering place, idea generator and voice for the Black community in Alaska. You don’t want to miss it.
A passionate champion of children, Ms. Bettye Davis (1938-2018) became the first elected African American woman to serve in the Alaska State House of Representatives from 1990-1996, and in 2000, Sen. Davis became the first African American ever to be elected to the Alaska State Senate. Sen. Davis served on many local and national councils, task forces and boards, including the Anchorage School Board, where she served for 11 years. She received countless awards for her service and dedication to Alaska and our community. Bettye Davis hosted the first African American Summit. The Alaska Black Caucus is proud to continue her legacy and remember her through the annual Bettye Davis African American Summit.
This year the summit, which is free to the public, runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting with a business networking opportunity hosted by the Alaska Black Caucus’ Economics Committee. Local businesses and vendors will also be showcasing their goods and services throughout the summit and Providence will have its mobile mammogram bus available. Later that morning, we are presenting the Healthy U Forum, an inclusive guide to living a more balanced and joyful life.
The free summit luncheon will be an uplifting, star-packed event. The Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Choir will open the luncheon, followed by special guests Olympic gold medalist speed skater Shani Davis and Alaska’s chief medical officer, Dr. Anne Zink. Sen. Elvi Gray Jackson, Assembly Chair Suzanne LaFrance and Vice Chair Christopher Constant will present greetings.
After lunch, we will get down to business, addressing some of the toughest problems facing BIPOC Alaskans. In “Unequal Opportunity: Race and Education,” Alaska Black Caucus Education Chair Jessica Cook will lead a robust discussion with Judge Pamela Washington and Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt about equity, health and more within the Anchorage School District. We will also present two awards for excellence: Black Teacher and Professional Assistant.
The recent police beating and death of Tyre Nichols is yet another reminder that we still have a great deal of work to do in bringing equity and accountability to policing. In recognition of this reality, the summit will culminate with a policing and justice forum and protest. The Alaska Black Caucus will discuss our work on policing in Alaska and delve into the complex conversation on race and policing. We will close the summit with an organized protest for justice and peace.
We hope all of you join us to learn, celebrate, and be among community at the Bettye Davis African American Health and Equity Summit. For more information or to secure a vendor booth, please visit theAlaskaBlackCaucus.com.
Celeste Hodge Growden is the president and CEO of the Alaska Black Caucus. She lives in Anchorage.
