Virtual conversation planned on social issues
By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
Point Park University’s McKeesport Community Newsroom is teaming up with the McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center and a panel of diverse local voices to offer perspective on a series of enduring social, environmental and civic issues.
At 7 p.m. Monday, “What are you doing to help others? A virtual conversation about workers’ rights, racial & criminal justice, and the environment in the Mon Valley” is slated to feature Moderator Johnathan JeVon White, professor of history at Penn State Greater Allegheny, and panelists Tina Ford, founder of MOMS Group Inc. (Mothers of Murdered Sons), Barney Oursler, co-founder of the Mon Valley Unemployed Committee, and Savanna Simm, a 2019 PSUGA graduate interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice.
McKeesport Community Newsroom Project Manager Martha Rial said she looks forward to hearing the panelists’ experiences and thoughts on the issues that are dominating headlines and social conversations as of late.
White, who has taught a variety of courses in history, African-American studies, Black arts and leadership development and is involved in multiple programs aimed at mentoring African-American males, said the panel “exposes efforts of ordinary citizens to address social reform, justice and community improvement.”
“As moderator, I want to provide respectful space for these community servants to be heard,” he said. “I’m the student here, interested in learning more about the issues they fight for.”
He said his upbringing taught him the values of listening to the words and emotions of others.
“I grew up in a household where outreach through ministry and lending a hand to others in need was consistent. My parents never sought the spotlight, but they often gave their time and limited resources to others,” he said.
White said that ministry, mentoring and education “have been the pillars of my service.”
“My study of historical social movements have shown that various approaches: protest, consciousness raising, political and legal reform, education, economic empowerment, grassroots organizing, and many others have sparked and engineered change,” he said.
To read the rest of this story, please see a copy of Saturday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at https://e.monvalleyindependent.com.
