Alaska, Oregon and Washington members to gather in Spokane
Brian Coddington, Communications Director, 509.625.6740
Monday, May 18, 2015 at 5:07 p.m.
Spokane is honored to serve as host city to the NAACP Area Conference of Alaska, Oregon and Washington this fall.
The annual conference will bring together members of 13 local unit branches and others to discuss the impacts of discrimination and inequality at the local and state levels. The three-day conference begins on Sept. 18 and will be held in Spokane for the first time since 2012.
“Spokane is excited and proud to be hosting this important conversation,” said Spokane Mayor David Condon. “Equality is critical to the future of our community. There is no place for hate and discrimination in Spokane.”
The City has enjoyed a strong partnership with the local NAACP chapter. A recent change in chapter leadership has brought new ideas and renewed urgency to the organization’s mission.
“Eliminating racial inequity requires institutions and community-based organizations to work together in collaboration to challenge the status quo and move toward equity,” said Gloria Ochoa-Bruck, director of local government and multi-cultural affairs. “It requires a collective effort and vision and this conference will provides us with an incredible opportunity to come together as a community to have these discussions.”
“Holding the conference here recognizes a strong NAACP local chapter, leadership and their involvement in police accountability in Spokane,” said Ben Stuckart, City Council president.
The NAACP is a needed voice in discussions about public safety, education, health care, political representation, and economic sustainability, Condon and Stuckart said. Public forums, called Moral Mondays, are one way the dialogue is happening.
