The Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) will host the 2023 Indiana Civil Rights Commission Annual Conference beginning June 19 through June 21 at the Crowne Plaza Downtown Union Station in Indianapolis, IN.
This conference comes at a crossroads of three historic milestones, the 60th anniversary of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, 55 years of the Federal Fair Housing Act, and celebration of the Juneteenth Holiday.
ICRC has chosen “Humanity” as the theme for this conference. This theme was inspired by the quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.” ICRC hopes attendees will be inspired by what they learn and put service to others at the foundation of their work.
Gregory L. Wilson, Sr., ICRC Executive Director said, “This conference will be a unique experience for all attendees. We have brought together a diverse group of speakers who will examine the history of civil rights, the moment we are currently in, and how we can collectively move forward toward a future where everyone has equal access and opportunity. We hope this transformational event will maintain civil rights momentum for another 60 years.”
The conference will feature a variety of sessions and workshops across four educational tracks covering topics such as Enforcement Training, Law and Policy, Civil and Human Rights, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
The conference will also include several notable speakers. The Honorable Tanya Walton Pratt, Chief Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana will be delivering welcome remarks at the opening reception on Monday evening.
Dr. Russell Ledet, MD/PhD and Triple Board Resident at the Indiana University School of Medicine, will deliver the Tuesday Luncheon Keynote Address. Dr. Ledet will discuss the importance of collaboration and action during his keynote speech titled “I’m Bout That Action.”
Dr. Jakobi Williams, the Chair of the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies at Indiana University, will deliver the Wednesday Luncheon Keynote Address. Dr. Williams will deliver his keynote address titled, “Make a Career of Humanity” and discuss various aspects of the civil rights movement and the influences it has today.
At the Civil Rights Awards Dinner on Wednesday evening, Governor Eric J. Holcomb will be present to deliver remarks. Demetria McCain, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will deliver the Keynote Address.
ICRC, in partnership with the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities, will host the conference in-person and virtually through an interactive hybrid experience. The conference is made possible thanks to the support of Trailblazer Sponsor, Ivy Tech Community College, and other generous sponsors. Registration is required for the 2023 Indiana Civil Rights Commission Annual Conference. To register for the event or to learn more, visit www.in.gov/icrc/conference2023