Oklahoma City conference focuses on social justice

What can Oklahoma City be, in the face of political and cultural division?

That’s the “big idea” residents will tackle at this coming weekend’s Second Annual Justice Conference, “Crossing the Bridge.”

The two-day event is expected to draw more than 100 people to the Northeast Health and Wellness Campus, 2600 NE 63.

They will discuss strategies for fostering positive race relations, aided by speakers including Lee Roland, former Tulakes Elementary School principal.

Clarence Hill Jr., founder of Oklahoma City Stronger Together, the organizer, said the conference proposes dialogue as a path to “wholeness” in race relations.

The goal is opening a path for residents “to know one another among themselves,” said Hill, a faith-based community consultant for the Oklahoma City-County Health Department.

Registration includes Friday dinner, and a light breakfast and a box lunch on Saturday.

Registration details and further information can be found at strongertogetherokc.com.

Attendees are being encouraged to register by Tuesday to guarantee dinner and lunch.

Roland is scheduled to discuss strategies that led to reductions in suspension rates of minority students in his Putnam City schools building.

Conference leaders include former Oklahoma County District Attorney Wes Lane, president and chief executive officer of Salt and Light Leadership Training (SALLT.com).

Also on the program is Estela Hernandez, vice president of engagement at the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (ocpathink.org).

The program begins at 6 p.m. Friday with a dinner and panel discussion.

Saturday breakout sessions include “Understanding the Challenges of Working Together.”

Originally set for Jan. 13 and 14, the conference was rescheduled for this weekend due to the threat that weekend of icy weather.

Back in January, Hill said conference participants would seek a “working definition of justice that drives us toward a better future. We want there to be understanding on all sides.”