The 2015 BPC Summit on Saturday, November 14th marked the 10 year anniversary of the event at the Washington State Reformatory (WSR) in Monroe, WA. The day was filled with presentations and constructive dialogue that invoked both tears and laughter at various points throughout the program.
The theme of the summit was “Community Restoration” and around 150 guests were in attendance – 100 from the community. Ever since the BPC developed a partnership with the Teacher Residency Program through the Seattle School District, anywhere between one-third to one-half of the guest are brand new, incoming educators. Long time BPC member, Anthony Wright, who was also the event’s emcee, is a champion for higher education and did well to implant the “when you learn, you don’t return” mantra into the minds of every single person in the room.
Eric Johnson began the program by singing “Lift Every Voice & Sing”. Antonio Wheat, Marc Brown, Jeff Foxx, and Andre Rowe were among the presenters. Speeches from “inside” voices covered the entire spectrum of education. Brandon Pedro spoke to the necessity of working to include incarcerated parents in the lives of their children. Derrick Martin-Armstead shared his sobering experiences of how easily one slips through the cracks of the educational system. And Jarrelle Marshall reminded everyone that teaching is a profession of passion.
Outside speakers were equally as powerful as those from the inside. Steven Dozier – a former lifer who was the sixth Washingtonian to be “struck out” – offered inspiration to anyone finding themselves in an impossible situation and how to overcome and impact the lives of others. Levert, from the Washington Coalition for Parole, made clear just why he has joined the fight. And William Castillo touched us all by speaking plainly about the need to first understand one’s own self in order to effectively move forward in life.
By the end of the day, it’s safe to say that every single person left with a renewed commitment to do their part in helping restore the communities we all come from.
BPC – Monroe