Inaugural Social Justice Conference set for March 9

The Cook County Social Justice Conference will be held on Friday, March 9 for students in grades 6-12.

The purpose of the conference is to improve both social cohesion and the freedom to interact in ISD 166 without fear of prejudice or discrimination. The conference will foster student voice, generate a greater understanding of how identity influences individual experiences, and provide the opportunity for students to engage in critical conversations while maintaining respect and accountability.

Throughout the day students will participate in interactive workshops led by student leaders and classes, teachers and community organizations. Students will discuss and explore the topics of race, identity, gender, privilege, justice and culture. The Cook County Social Justice Conference is excited to announce that Bill Blackwell Jr. is the keynote speaker.

Bill Blackwell Jr., a member of the Grand Portage Band of a Lake Superior Chippewa, has been executive director of the American Indian Resource Center at Bemidji State University since 2015. He recently received the Martin Luther King Commitment to Service Award from Gov. Mark Dayton for his work at BSU. In October, he received the Distinguished Diversity Leadership Award from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Academic and Student Affairs Division. As a graduate of ISD 166 himself, he is excited to return to the community and speak to our next generation of leaders.

The ISD 166 Diversity Committee, in partnership with Cook County Higher Education, will also host a session open to the public with Blackwell on the evening of Thursday, March 8. More details will be coming soon.

The Diversity Committee needs your help to make it a successful and positive event for students. Several organizations have already committed support, but more is needed. Donations will help provide conference materials and fund speakers. If you wish to make a donation, checks may be made payable to ISD 166. Please indicate “Social Justice Conference” in the memo portion of your check. Donations can be dropped off at the main office or be mailed to the school.

For a complete list of workshop descriptions, sponsors, and volunteer information visit our website at www.cookcountyschools.org. Look under the “Quick Links” tab for “Cook County Social Justice Conference.”