ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Whereas Juneteenth observances are wrapping up, the Alaska Black Caucus is gearing up for a number of massive occasions happening within the subsequent week, every of which is targeted not a lot on historical past or celebrations, however on the way forward for the Black neighborhood in Alaska and higher serve it.

The primary occasion is a dialogue to incorporate the highest few candidates who’re a part of the particular election to determine who will full the rest of the late Congressman Don Younger’s time period in workplace. That discuss is among the ABC’s Group Conversations, with that collection of discussions specializing in race and equality locally, and usually happening on a weekly foundation.

The chats, that are open to the general public however require on-line registration beforehand, additionally supply a possibility to turn out to be extra knowledgeable about those that are a part of the Black neighborhood, and the struggles minorities proceed to face.

“Get within the trenches with us, and advocate for equality and justice,” stated Celeste Hodge Growden, who serves as president of the ABC. “There’s a number of work to do, and we’d like our allies.”

Group Dialog: Alaska Congressional Particular Election has been scheduled for Sunday, June 26, from 7 to eight p.m. on Zoom. Hodge Growden stated to count on the collection to proceed: discussions subsequent month will deal with subjects comparable to race and training, on July 10; therapeutic from racism, on July 31; and different material on July 17 and July 24, the main points of that are to be introduced within the close to future.

Additionally occurring subsequent week is an occasion to incorporate a assessment of ABC’s 2022 Black Well being Evaluation, which analyzes a sweeping survey and seeks to not solely assess but in addition deal with the neighborhood’s well being wants.

“It’s vital to have this examine, as a result of there’s by no means been one earlier than particularly of the Black neighborhood within the historical past of Alaska,” Hodge Growden stated. “Black individuals are deprived throughout the whole healthcare system, and carry a disproportionate share of the burden.”

Black Individuals, she stated, typically stay marginalized and undergo excessive well being disparities – these “preventable variations within the burden of illness, damage, violence, or alternatives to attain optimum well being which can be skilled by socially deprived populations,” in accordance with the Facilities for Illness Management — and are sometimes excluded from public well being knowledge.

Amongst different issues, the evaluation seems to be to know the well being standing of Black Alaskans, doc their views, and produce an in depth, high-quality report.

“This examine units the stage for subsequent motion,” she stated partly, “to advance advocacy for well being promotion inside Black Alaska.”

Particular audio system — together with social work consultants and psychological well being counselors — and a brief movie will probably be featured as effectively through the occasion on Thursday, June 30, on the Wendy Williamson Auditorium from 6-8 p.m.

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