The Tri-State Defender will host its third TSD in the Community Forum, which will focus on education and education policy. The forum is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church Broad, 2835 Broad Avenue, Memphis.
The forum will bring together parents, educators, community leaders and policymakers for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing local schools. Attendees will learn how they can play a role in strengthening the education landscape for children across the Mid-South.
“Access to quality and equitable education has been a challenge for African Americans since we were brought to this country and remains so today,” said Stephanie R. Jones, The Tri-State Defender editor. “Education is the bedrock to the future of our city, and we want to help engage everyone from parents to policymakers to be part of the conversation as we seek pathways to move our students forward.”
The panel will include:
● Tennessee Sen. Raumesh Akbari, Esq.
● Dr. Christopher B. Davis, president, LeMoyne-Owen College
● Dr. Tracy D. Hall, president, Southwest Tennessee Community College
● Dr. Nickalous Manning, executive director, Journey Community Schools
● Dr. Roderick Richmond, interim superintendent, Memphis-Shelby County Schools, will send a representative.
The discussion will be led by Lori Spicer Robertson, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital vice president and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer and founder and CEO of Wundher, a digital media and membership community designed to reconnect women and mothers to their joy.
Upcoming TSD in the Community Forums include:
● Public Safety in August
● Government and Politics in October
● Entrepreneurship in November
TSD in the Community is sponsored by The Tri-State Defender and W&T Contracting Corporation.
The forum is free and open to the public, and registration is required through Eventbrite: www.tri-statedefender.com/community
