At the end of last month, a group of women from a wide variety of industries got together at the ‘Women’s Rising’ conference to brainstorm ideas on how African American women can try to overcome inequality and discrimination in the workforce. The event – subtitled Organizing Power for the Achievement of Racial Justice and Economic Equity,’ – was sponsored by the Holman United Methodist Church.

Discussions centered around equality in business, community organization, education, law, medicine, politics and spirituality. Anything that is integral to the stabilization of families and community revitalization was on the agenda.

Keynote remarks were delivered by the General Commission of the United Methodist Church’s General Secretary, Erin Hawkins as well as Charles Drew University Medicine College’s Dean, Dr. Deborah Prothrow Stith. Other names integral to the event were: , general manager of the Los Angeles Economic and Work Development Department, Jan Perry; the LA Business Licensing Commission President, Renee L. Campbell; CEO and President of The Hamilton Enterprise, as well as Civil Rights Advocate, Juanita Hamilton among others.

Personal stories and aspirations were shared as well as tips on how to overcome prejudice and assert needs and rights. All in all it was an extremely productive and positive experience.