Camp C.H.O.I.C.E. Inc. is set to present its latest African History Saturday event Aug. 3. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the W.E.B. DuBois Learning Center and aims to educate and inspire attendees through a series of talks on various aspects of African American history mixed in with current issues.
The event will feature four speakers covering topics ranging from healthcare and prison reform to Black business development and youth leadership in social movements. Janay Reliford, founder of Camp C.H.O.I.C.E. who’s hosting the event, says the event is targeted at youth, but all are welcome.
“African History Saturdays are for the entire family,” says Reliford.
While the African History Saturdays are open to everyone, the event will also feature a $100 prize raffle for youth attendees only. The function is free, open to the public and comes with lunch sponsored by the KC Health Initiative and Gigi’s Vegan Cafe. An RSVP is not mandatory, but registration is encouraged to help with planning.
Speakers at Aug. 3 African History Saturday
- Evangelist Ester Holzendorf will discuss the history of the ‘Medicaid 23,’ which is a group that demanded Medicaid expansion in Missouri through peaceful protest. Holzendorf was a part of the group, and 23 were arrested.
- Bev Livingston will address the history of Mothers of Incarcerated Sons and Daughters (MISD), current prison conditions, and how to advocate for change.
- Gary Mitchell will speak on the state of Black philanthropy and business.
- Lawson Small will cover the history of youth in the Black liberation movement.
Camp C.H.O.I.C.E., founded by Reliford, aims to provide resources for youth to develop skills that help them navigate life’s challenges. The organization received funding from the city’s health department to continue the African History Saturdays program, which began last year.
“We want young people to know that they have a right to life and that there are things that they can do to live a long and prosperous life,” says Reliford.
Reliford says Camp C.H.O.I.C.E. — acronym meaning ‘children having opportunities in creating environment’ — will host African History Saturdays on the first saturday of every month at the Dubois Learning Center. The group also plans a right to life youth summit in October.
African History Saturday
August 3
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
W.E.B. DuBois Learning Center
4510 Linwood Blvd, KCMO
Free, with lunch providedRegister at bit.ly/BlackAug
