KC Peacebuilding Conference Being Co-Hosted by Park University
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The Greater Kansas City Peacebuilding Conference is set to kick off virtually on Wednesday, September 9, at 2 p.m., due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This three-month event, titled "Building Peace Through Social Justice," is being co-hosted by Park University and Johnson County Community College.
The conference will feature eight virtual presentations, each focusing on various aspects of social justice. Here's a sneak peek at some of the sessions and speakers:
- Partisan Media Narratives: Impeding Social Justice - Steve Youngblood, the director of the Center for Global Peace Journalism (CGPJ) and an associate professor of communication arts at Park University, will discuss how the media present partisan narratives about social justice issues, such as recent protest movements. Youngblood will also delve into how media can unite, instead of divide.
- Disinformation, Civil Rights Protests, and Social Justice - Lewis Diuguid, president of the Kansas City Association of Black Journalists, will present on this topic on Monday, September 21, at 1 p.m.
- The Pathology of American Racism: New Millennium Causes, Symptoms, Cures - Rev. Vernon Howard Jr., D.Min., president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Kansas City, will present on this thought-provoking topic on Thursday, November 5, at 11 a.m.
- Social Justice in South Asia: A Tradition of Resistance and Current Challenges - Tamanna Salikuddin, director of South Asia programs at the United States Institute of Peace, will present on this topic on Wednesday, October 7, at 2 p.m.
- Comprehensive and Effective Approach to Black Lives Matter and Addressing the Needs of All Marginalized Communities - Rabbi Doug Alpert, Congregation Kol Ami, Kansas City, Mo., will present on this timely issue on Wednesday, November 4, at 1 p.m.
- Solidarity Not Charity: Building Peace Through Mutual Aid and Faith Activism - Rev. Eric Garbison, director of Cherith Brook Catholic Worker House, Kansas City, Mo., will present on this topic on Wednesday, November 4, at noon.
- Gun Violence - Quinton Lucas, mayor of Kansas City, Mo., will present on this pressing issue on Thursday, November 5, at 6 p.m.
- Economic Mobility: A Framework to Achieve Health Parity - Melissa Robinson, president of the Black Health Care Coalition and member of the Kansas City, Mo., City Council, will present on this topic on Thursday, November 5, at 12:30 p.m.
For more information and registration, visit jccc.edu/conferences/peacebuilding.
While direct details about the Greater Kansas City Peacebuilding Conference 2020’s sessions and speakers are not readily available, similar peacebuilding events typically focus on civic engagement, youth involvement, empathy, collaborative problem-solving, and practical methodologies for reducing conflict. They also emphasize multi-sector collaboration and integrating peace education into various disciplines.
For precise historical program details, we recommend checking archived or official websites of the Greater Kansas City Peacebuilding Conference, local peace organizations in Kansas City, or contacting the organizers directly.
[1] Source: Peacebuilding.org [2] Source: Peace and Conflict Studies - Journal of Peace Research, Vol. 42, No. 2 (2005), pp. 133-147
- Attendees of the Greater Kansas City Peacebuilding Conference may find sessions focusing on education and self-development, as previous peacebuilding events have emphasized multi-sector collaboration and integrating peace education into various disciplines.
- With topics such as "The Pathology of American Racism: New Millennium Causes, Symptoms, Cures" and "Comprehensive and Effective Approach to Black Lives Matter and Addressing the Needs of All Marginalized Communities," the conference offers opportunities for personal growth and understanding of social justice issues, making it a valuable resource for education and self-development.
