Angela Davis will be keynote speaker

Second Annual Ruby Jones Conference on Race, Social Justice, and Civic Leadership will take place virtually

WEST CHESTER » West Chester University’s Second Annual Ruby Jones Conference on Race, Social Justice, and Civic Leadership will take place virtually Sept. 30, at 4 p.m. and will continue through Oct. 2. Highlighting the threeday virtual conference will be the keynote address Oct. 1, 4-5:15 p.m., by iconic activist, author, and professor Angela Davis, which will be immediately followed by a community dialogue from 5:30 – 7 p.m. For the conference schedule and to register by the deadline of Friday, Sept. 25, see https://tinyurl.com/rjc20. The virtual conference will be capped at 1,000 participants. In addition to Corporate Sponsor State Farm, the Second Annual Ruby Jones Conference on Race, Social Justice, and Civic Leadership is sponsored by West Chester University’s Dowdy Multicultural Center, Center for Women and Gender Equity, The Office of Student Leadership and Involvement,

and The Center for Civic Engagement and Social Impact.

West Chester University is committed to placing much emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving to address systemic racism and inequities. The annual conference is designed to create an educational environment where students can engage in learning that will raise awareness and promote action-oriented dialogue about racial, cultural, and social issues that impact how they experience life on campus, in communities, and in society.

The conference bears the name of Ruby Jones, who completed the Bachelor Program in teaching at West Chester State College, as a continuation of the legacy that she created. In 1961, she was the first Black faculty member hired at West Chester State College. Professor Jones was a K-12 educator prior to becoming a professor at WCU. As an educator, humanitarian, and civic leader, Ruby Jones was actively involved with the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the YWCA, the American Association of University Women, and the National Association of Colored Women’s Club. She was also an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and Phi Delta Kappa.