500+ Expected in Baltimore for First-Ever Expo to Re-Ignite a New Civil Rights Movement for Black Workers

500+ Expected in Baltimore for First-Ever Expo to Re-Ignite a New Civil Rights Movement for Black Workers

by 07/31/2019

Maryland Senator Cory McCray, Carmen Berkely, Bill Fletcher, Steven Pitts, UFCW Robin Williams join line-up of speakers, workshops, Apprenticeship Opportunities to Inform, Engage, and Empower Black Workers

BALTIMORE —  On August 24 and 25, the National Black Workers Center Project (NBWCP) will host the first-ever Working While Black Expo, a national convening focused on addressing the workplace challenges unique to Black workers. The purpose of the expo is to train, educate, and share innovative approaches to mobilization and organizing. (view the full agenda here).

In the midst of a racist, political atmosphere perpetuated by Donald Trump, as well as attacks on people of color nationwide, the NBWCP is stepping up efforts to challenge the reality of working while Black, underemployment, discrimination, and workplace racism that continues to burden Black workers. The NBWCP is also aiming to reignite the muted conversations about race, civil rights and labor activism not seen or heard since the 60s.

The expo will feature hundreds of veteran political and labor activists, artists, environmental warriors, and provide an experience that transfers skills, promotes a love of learning and Black culture, and fosters community engagement and collaboration. Key clinics and panels will include: An Expungement Clinic that will help clear the criminal records for 200+ people; Apprenticeship Fair; “Community Corner” of social and economic nonprofits from across the Baltimore area, Black Voices, Black Votes, focused on holding politicians accountable, a Black Film Festival, and the inaugural Black Collar Awards, to recognize an individual who works to end the Black jobs crisis and inspires and works to achieve social and worker justice for African Americans.

“The divisive words of the Trump administration have brought national attention and conversation to the need for the righteous fight we publicly should wage on behalf of, and with constituents to change the reality of Black workers from burden to opportunity and community,”  NBWCP Executive Director Tanya Wallace Gobern. “The NBWCP fully intends to invigorate a new era of a civil rights and social justice movement that acknowledges Black people as equals. The Working While Black Expo will inform, engage, and empower Black workers to mobilize and fight for change around workforce, political, and social justice issues.”

**EVENT DETAILS**

WHAT: First-ever Working While Black Expo, a national convening focused on addressing the workplace challenges unique to Black workers with hundreds of political and cultural Black thought leaders from Baltimore City and nationwide (view the full agenda here).

WHEN: Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25

WHERE: Physical Education Complex at Coppin State University; 2500 W North Ave Baltimore, Maryland 21216

WHO: National Black Worker Center Project leaders and organizers from nine Black Worker Center affiliates in Baltimore; Raleigh; Los Angeles; Bay Area; Chicago; Greenville, MS; New Orleans; Rocky Mount, NC; and Washington, DC.

FEATURE SPEAKERS INCLUDE:  Maryland Senator Cory McCray; award-winning photographer, writer and Baltimore City native Giancarlo Valentine; Director of Civil Rights for UFCW Robin Williams; step troupe Lethal Ladies of Baltimore; Oscar Nominated and Student Academy Award Winning Filmmaker of “My Nephew Emmett,” Kevin Wilson, Jr.; Senior Political Director for Color of Change, Kwesi Chappin; racial justice, labor and international activist, and author of “They’re Bankrupting Us!” Bill Fletcher; UC Berkeley labor policy expert Steven Pitts; and many more (view the full list of speakers here).

Tracks & Sessions include: Black Table Talks: insightful guests, no-holds-barred topics; Health and Wellness; Black Culture Connections; Working While Black; Black Knowledge Exchange

ADDITIONAL FEATURES & VISUALS:

Apprenticeship Fair

Working While Black Stories

Black Wall St.

Black Knowledge Exchange

Black Table Talks

Black Culture Connections

Black Health Matters

Black Voices, Black Votes

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