Senator Lori Berman (D-Delray Beach) will be co-hosting a second panel discussion on the issues of racial injustice with U.S. Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-21) and Palm Beach County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay (District 6) this Friday, June 19 at 1:00pm.
The first panel was held on Friday, June 5 with a diverse group of female community leaders including clergy, elected officials at various levels of government, and those in academia. The link to that panel can be watched HERE.
In addition to co-hosts Berman, Frankel and McKinlay, panelists include:
- Palm Beach County Administrator Verdenia Baker
- Leontyne D. Brown, Corporate Marketing and Social Responsibility Consultant & Social Justice Advocate
- Chief Delsa Bush, PBSC Director of Security
- Dr. Andrea Guzman Oliver, Assistant Vice President of Student Outreach and Diversity, FAU
- Deputy Vice Mayor Shirley Johnson, City of Delray Beach
- Jasmin Lewis, Teacher and Member of PBC Human Rights Council Board of Directors
- Vice Mayor Katrina Long-Robinson, City of Westlake
- Rabbi Jessica Mates, Temple Beth El
- Palm Beach State College President Ava L. Parker, J.D.
- Charlotte Wright, Chief Operating Office of Manifest Church
“George Floyd’s death ignited a powerful movement, one that gives me hope of a better America. But it won’t come without struggle, without advocacy, and without leadership,” said Senator Berman. “I’m emboldened to use my legislative office to break down the barriers of systemic racism, to chip away at society’s implicit bias by teaching our youth about the history of slavery and the present state of racial discrimination. Police have been tasked with protecting us, but for black Americans, data proves they’ve been consistently and disproportionately profiled, sentenced, and incarcerated. Our first panel discussion began the dialogue in our community – this Friday, I hope to start identifying actions that each of us can take in our capacities as leaders and citizens.”
“As we look to correct the wrongs of racial injustice, it is important to learn and listen in every corner of our community. The women on our zoom panel have both common and unique experiences and powerful voices to bring insight into these challenges,” stated Congresswoman Lois Frankel.
Commissioner Melissa McKinlay said, “Last week, I joined State Senator Lori Berman and Congresswoman Lois Frankel on a listening session to hear from women leaders in our community regarding our nation’s response to the George Floyd murder. Faith-based, grassroots, community and elected leaders shared their thoughts about engaging women to formulate community & legislative actions we can initiate to address racism and inequality. Our nation is hurting. Our black community is hurting. Our other minority communities are hurting. We knew last week was only the first step and I am excited to partner with my colleagues to provide a platform for continuing this long overdue conversation.”
