Prominent Local and National Leaders to Gather for Discussions on Equity and Economic Justice

(Black PR Wire) Washington, DC – The Greater Washington Community Foundation is thrilled to announce the upcoming free Health Equity Summit, scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Riverside Church in Washington, DC. This transformative event will run from 9 am to 4 pm ET, followed by an invigorating networking happy hour.

This year's summit promises to be a gathering of influential voices from both local and national spheres, including thought leaders, practitioners, policy makers, and community organizations. Together, they will engage in vital conversations centered around the theme: "With Equity and Economic Justice for All: Balancing the Scales So Everyone Wins."

Vision and Agenda

The summit will unfold across three dynamic panels/tracks, each focusing on crucial topics related to Health Equity:

1. The Pursuit of Health Equity: In envisioning a world where everyone can enjoy physical, mental, and social well-being, this panel will delve into critical issues. Dr. Marla M. Dean, Senior Director of the Health Equity Fund at the Greater Washington Community Foundation, will moderate discussions featuring esteemed guests such as Dr. Damon Francis, Medical Director at the Homeless Health Center, DC Alameda Health Center, and Dr. Anthony B. Iton, Senior Vice President of Programs and Partnerships at The California Endowment.
2. In Pursuit of Economic Justice - Prosperity for All: Addressing the imperative of creating a non-extractive economy where all can thrive, this panel will confront disparities head-on. Moderated by Temi F. Bennett, Esq., Co-CEO of the iF Foundation, panelists including Professor Anthony Cook from Georgetown University and Jennifer Bryant from the Black Employee Ownership Initiative will shed light on pressing issues surrounding economic justice.
3. In Pursuit of Liberation: The Case for Reparations: Highlighting the urgent need for reparations to rectify historical injustices, this panel will advocate for systemic change. Led by Reverend William H. Lamar IV from the Metropolitan AME Church, along with other distinguished speakers including Dr. Stacey Patton from the Institute for Urban Research, Morgan State University, and Leslie Ford from The Urban Institute, this session promises to ignite crucial dialogue.

Conclusion

The Greater Washington Community Foundation invites all stakeholders committed to advancing health equity and economic justice to participate in this groundbreaking summit. Together, let us chart a path towards a more just and equitable future for all. Please click here to register and click here to view the full agenda.

About the Health Equity Summit

In early 2022, the Greater Washington Community Foundation, alongside Mayor Bowser and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, embarked on a groundbreaking mission with the launch of the $95 million Health Equity Fund (HEF), aimed at enhancing health outcomes and equity for DC residents. Since its inception, the Health Equity Fund has allocated over $21 million to numerous organizations within the District of Columbia, all passionately committed to bridging healthcare disparities by tackling critical social determinants of health. These include education, employment, income, housing, transportation, food access, environmental factors, medical care, outdoor spaces, and community safety issues. This year marks the inaugural Health Equity Summit, a pivotal gathering uniting nonprofit partners, experts, and community members. Together, we will explore innovative strategies to advance our collective pursuit of health equity and economic justice for all. Join us on Tuesday, April 30, at Riverside Church, located at 699 Maine Ave SW, as we chart a course toward a healthier, more equitable future for Washington, DC and the broader Greater Washington region.

###