The Pillars and Intersections of Racial Equity Community Conversation

Description

The NAACP Vancouver Branch invites you to a community conversation: The Pillars and Intersections of Racial Equity, an open and engaging discussion about advancing fairness, opportunity, and justice for all. 

Event: The Pillars and Intersections of Racial Equity 

Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 

Doors Open at 6:00 PM Start Time: 6:30 PM 

Location: City of Vancouver, Aspen Conference Room, 415 W 6th Street, Vancouver, WA 

Racial equity means that a person’s racial identity no longer predicts their life outcomes. It is about fair systems, just policies, and equitable access ineducation, health, housing, employment, and political power. This conversation will explore both the barriers that persist and the solutions that can create a more just and thriving community for everyone. 

The Pillars and Intersections of Racial Equity 

Our panel will discuss racial equity across four key areas: 

Education Equity – addressing disparities in schools, opportunities, and learning outcomes 

Health & Mental Health Equity – ensuring access to care and addressing community health gaps 

Economic & Housing Justice – tackling income disparities, employment barriers, and housing access 

Political Power & Civic Accountability – promoting fair representation, voting access, and inclusive governance

Panelist: 

Dr. Alan Melnick, Public Health Director and Officer, Clark County
Dr. Jamila Singleton, Executive Director, Rooted School Vancouver
Mr. Dom Merriweather, Executive Director, Proud Ground
Ms. Nikki Chen, DEI Business Partner, City of Vancouver, WA
Attorney Sheley Secrest, NAACP Regional State Conference President
Ms. Serena Stoudamire Wesley, Assistant Director, Equity and Civil Rights, Oregon Department of Transportation
State Representative Travis Nelson, OR State Representative
Rev. Michael Jones Jr., Vice President, NAACP, Moderator

We hope you’ll join us and be part of this important conversation.