JANESVILLE — A prominent social influencer on racial equity and racial justice and the co-founder of the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation will be the keynote speakers at the YWCA Rock County’s ninth-annual Racial Justice Conference.
The event will be held virtually on Thursday, Nov. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This year’s theme is: “Is fear keeping us from eliminating racism?” Participants are invited to join in the virtual conversation as presenters offer insight into supporting diverse populations.
Joseph
The morning keynote speaker will be Dr. Mark Joseph, one of the country’s primary social influencers in strategies for advancing racial equity and racial justice at an individual, organizational and systemic level, a YWCA release said.
Joseph draws from 30 years of research, consulting, and practice in equity, inclusion, and social change. His academic research focuses on strategies to promote urban equity and inclusion. He received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University, a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, was a post-doctoral scholar at the University of Chicago, and a Herlech Scholar at Oxford University.
Watts
The afternoon keynote speaker will be Deborah Watts, co-founder and board president of the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation. The foundation started in 2005 to preserve the memory and legacy of Emmett Louis Till and his mother Mamie Till Mobley’s hope for justice.
The organization engages with students and youth groups across the country. Its hope is to not have history repeated and to inspire young adults to reach their fullest potential — something Till did not have a chance to do.
Registration is $100 through Friday, Oct. 27, increasing to $125 starting Saturday, Oct. 28. Students are $50. The complete conference schedule is at .
Registration is online at or contact Danielle Squires at 608-752-5445, ext. 200.
For additional questions, contact YWCA Racial Justice Director Amiee Leavy at aleavy@ywcarockco.com.