The Symposium is a gathering of community leaders, changemakers, and professionals who serve Seattle's Black community. We are gathering to network and discuss how to best support intergenerational bonds.  

The Symposium is hosted by Homage AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program, in partnership with Seattle Public Schools and is funded by a grant from John's Hopkins University through The National Partnership for Student Success.

The Symposium will give platform for a few community organizations to speak on the needs of youth, elders and everyone in between.

-A light breakfast/brunch will be provided.

-Speakers and attendees are encouraged to bring business, agency, community marketing materials to place on a community resources table. (Preferably a little before the event starts.)

-Our Master of Ceremonies is Dennis Coy Denman!

-Honorary Welcome, Mrs. Joanne Harrell, First Lady of Seattle, council member, advocate.

-Keith Bell, Chief Executive Officer of Homage Seniors Services will share the reason for the Symposiums and his connection to the event as well as the work Homage does and the need to keep our community elders engaged and active for their health and for the cultural benefits they bring to our society.

-Dr. Mia Williams, Seattle School District's Assistant Superintendent of African American Male Achievement, will highlight the district's Strategic plan and their need for students of color.

-Adelheid Arbogast, Program Director over The AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program, will present the Federal funding that provides a unique intergenerational opportunity for mentorship volunteering.

-Break- network & collaborate. Refresh beverages.

-De'Vonte' Parson, Executive Director of Pro Se Potential, Author, will share the work he does with youth in the community, as well as his life experience that led him to empower young minds and awaken bold leaders.

-Mary Mitchell, Aging and Disability Services Director, City of Seattle, will share the city's various programs and efforts supporting seniors.

-Confirmed Panel members:
-Washington State Commission on African American Affairs, Commissioner Joseph Todd.
-Hey Black Seattle Founder Kiesha Garrison.
-Olympia Edwards, Founder/CEO Project Girl.
-AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program Local Coordinator, Adelheid Arbogast.

-MC: Door prizes and closing remarks
-End by 12:30.

-We encourage additional connecting after event on the veranda.

- A survey and newsletter featuring attendee organizational information will be distributed later.

The effects from the Covid pandemic created a ripple of various change in Seattle's communities. This symposium is an opportunity to come together, discuss strengths and needs, listen to one another and see how we can work together to strengthen our communities' intergenerational bonds.

Each person is a thread in our community. Threads are woven, connected, and sewn, resulting in a unique tapestry. The health and wellness of each thread affect all the other threads in the tapestry. What story do we want our community tapestry to reflect? How are we setting up our future generations for success?

Notes:
* The Symposium is free to attend. We do require an RSVP due to seating limitations.
* This event is by invitation, as we are trying to cover the gamut of community leadership. Please limit to 2 people PER ORGANIZATION unless otherwise invited by Homage.
* There will be NO monetary ask at this event from any of the speakers or panelists.
* Parking available in a pay garage across the street or on side streets.