MANIFESTO

At BlaqOut our definition of equity in society is for everyone in our community to flourish. Our methodology is to take full responsibility and do the best and most we can to embrace each other instead of point fingers. Instead of demanding that somebody else “fix it”, we recognize that the challenges any member of our community faces is our opportunity to live from the depth of our love.

We simply refuse to leave any of our people to suffer in the silence of obscurity. Not everyone is going to care about us. That’s life. Distractions and detractors only fuel our determination to be what we came here to be for each other. We define our community and with each project seek to lift that community up to exist as one healthy, united family of able bodies and souls.

Together we might never find all the solutions but we will give it all we’ve got. As an organization, we are exploring various means of sustainability, including social enterprise to reinforce self-sufficiency but with the wisdom we need not do this in isolation. The successful models of change we create can be exported and utilized to address challenges in other communities who can deploy insights we’ve gathered to fuel their efforts towards progress and transformation. We exist to confirm that our lives matter.

We are not gathered here to convince or persuade anyone to get it. A capacity to love and put that love into action is the defining characteristic of our true allies who we invite to support us in fulfilling our mission.

The light we shine on the brave lives who graciously opened themselves by baring their innermost truths as respondents for our survey show us where we can do more. Our findings reveal the specific areas where the need for a shift in approach and consciousness is most critical. Our findings are a directive for those who are truly determined to serve this multi-faceted community made up of unique individuals who require support as we all do.

They don’t want a hand out. They want to contribute to the world and we want to reinforce their value as members of the greater community at large who stand to benefit from their presence and talents. It is in a spirit of appreciation and love that we welcome all who have gathered here today. We hope that your presence is a sign.

More than a sign we hope your presence here is confirmation that you are able, interested and willing to not only learn something but to leave here to determined to do something to contribute to our mission.

Thank you.

Event Program

Lunch and Registration

Attendees are asked to go directly to the lunch buffet upon registration.

Exhititors Available

Please visit the resource tables of Empowerment Summit exhibitors, located in the Kansas City Room.

Welcome

Kathryn Evans, Rooted Strategy

Elevating Our Voices

Video presentation and local hot takes

The Journey

Tusday Dudley, BlaqOut Chief of Staff

In Memoriam

Daniel Driffin, HIV Vaccine Trials Network

DeMarc Hickson, Ph.D., Us Helping Us

Honoring Our Heroes, Sheroes, and Theyroes

D. Rashaan Gilmore, BlaqOut Founder/President and CEO

Lawrence Crawford, BlaqOut Board Member

Hate Beyond Our Borders

A special message from Turinawe Samson, Universal Love Alliance

Keynote

George M. Johnson

Personal Reflections

D. Rashaan Gilmore, BlaqOut Founder/President and CEO

Banned But Not Broken

Dialog among healthcare and social justice advocates