28th Annual Empowerment Congress Summit Workshops
Walking Tour of Martin Luther King, Jr. Medical Center Campus – Spotlight on Homeless Services
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Medical Center has been transformed into a state-of-the art campus for the delivery of health, mental health and auxiliary services. While the facilities on the campus cater to the surrounding community at large, efforts have specifically been made to create a continuum of care for those who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness. This walking tour will provide an opportunity to learn more about the various new facilities being developed on the campus, with a specific focus on the facilities that are helping address the local homeless crisis.
A Tour of Willowbrook: A Community in the Midst of Transformation
The Willowbrook tour will give participants an opportunity to explore and learn about the estimated $1 billion in transformative improvements constructed and planned for the Willowbrook community, with a particular emphasis on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Medical Campus. Participants will have the opportunity to see the new, state-of-the-art Community Hospital (which opened in 2015); the Center for Public Health, including the Community Healing and Trauma Prevention Center; transportation and infrastructure improvements; recreational and cultural amenities; and affordable housing developments. The 90-minute tour will be conducted by bus and community leaders will serve as guides.
Lost in America: Spotlight on Young People Experiencing Homelessness
Lost In America, a documentary film, follows the journey of formerly homeless director, Rotimi Rainwater as he travels the country interviewing homeless youth, service providers, and elected officials to gain a better understanding of the issue of homelessness, which affects 4.2 million young people every year in the United States. The film includes appearances by Tiffany Haddish, Halle Berry, Rosario Dawson, Jon Bon Jovi, Jewel, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy.
Development Without Displacement: Building Policy Strategies to Ensure Residents Reap the Benefits of Community Change
Gentrification is an increasing concern for communities here in Los Angeles and throughout the nation. As community leaders, policymakers and developers grapple with how to make quality of life improvements without displacing residents, it is important to prioritize opportunities for community wealth building to ensure that residents directly benefit from both public and private investment in their own neighborhoods. This workshop will educate residents about the development process and how community members can be involved, while also highlighting both public and private development projects that have successfully implemented community wealth building strategies. Workshop participants will be encouraged to get involved with the Empowerment Congress’ effort to create a “best practices” report, currently in development, on community engagement and empowerment.
By the Numbers: How the 2020 Census and New Voter Experience will Impact the Next Decade
Every 10 years Los Angeles gets a snapshot of its collective identity through the United States (U.S.) Census, which is mandated by the Constitution and aims to count every resident. But the 2020 Census is more than just a head count of everyone living in the U.S. Apart from voting, little else rivals the immense role of the 2020 Census in determining the distribution of political power and resources in the U.S. Since Los Angeles County has historically struggled with undercounting its residents, participation in the 2020 Census will be particularly important. This workshop is intended to help people relate to the new 2020 Census and Los Angeles County’s new voter experience. Register for the Summit Workshop Descriptions Annual Summit Home
Beyond Mass Shootings: Confronting Everyday Gun Violence and Creating Safe Communities
While gun violence garners significant attention, media coverage tends to focus on mass and high-profile shootings. Too often ignored is the lived experience of communities of color and the day-to-day violence they experience, as well as the solutions they have generated to promote safety and healing. This workshop will center the conversation of gun violence and violence prevention on the community-level, and will include topics such as: the root causes of violence; the intersectionality of gun violence; trauma-informed and public health responses; emerging local intervention and prevention strategies; and the County’s Office of Violence Prevention.