Recommended Event: DAV 23 Inaugural Pacific NW Black Veterans Appreciation Day
Photo description: DAV logo. D.A. is in grey lettering, and the V is green. Under this states: “Fulfilling our promises to the men and women who served.”
This Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at DAV Chapter 23 Headquarters, I'm honored to be a part of a celebration of Black Veterans in the Pacific NW. The event is organized by Kameko Thomas, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 23 - West Seattle, and sponsored in part by the Office of U.S. Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA). The event will take place at the DAV Chapter 23 headquarters on 4857 Delridge Way SW. For more information, contact Kameko Thomas at kameko@vonemcreative.com or (206) 468.2757.
Picture description: Sgt. Issac Woodword sitting in uniform, wearing sunglasses due to blinding. He is accompanied by his mother, who is standing to his left in a dark, floral dress.
The celebration seeks to celebrate, amplify and affirm Black Veterans. This event seeks to bring awareness to the history and bravery of those who have sacrificed their lives, but whose service has often been marginalized or overlooked. This event resulted from significant lobbying efforts on behalf of DAV Chapter 23 on Capitol Hill last February during DAV’s National Mid-Winter Conference. It is inspired by the story of Sgt. Issac Woodword, who was a Black WWII Army Veteran in South Carolina. Sgt Woodward was blinded in a brutal attack by S.C. police officers less than 24 hours after returning from active duty and while still in uniform after a race-based argument with a bus driver on his way home. While his records has recently been expunged, the impact on his mental and physical health, as well as his reputation, followed him to his death.
Along with a robust schedule of programming and events, there will be two, 30-minute panel discussions beginning at 3:30 pm and 4:15 pm. The first panel entitled, “How Can We Help Black Veterans Dealing with PTSD” will include panelists:
Ron Bryant, Commander, DAV Chapter 23, Veteran, U.S. Navy
Stephen Riggins, MSW, PTSD/ War Therapist
Lydia Mosby, Veteran, U.S. Army
Lawrence Sylvester, Veteran, U.S. Army.
The second panel entitled, “The Role of Storytelling and Arts in Healing” will include panelists
Edward Hill, Veteran, U.S. Army
Abie Eke, Veteran, U.S. Army
Evan Bailey, Th Red Badge Project
Edwin Lindo, Professr, UW School of Medicine
ChrisTiana ObeySumner, CEO and Principal Social Equity Consultant, Epiphanies of Equity.
Lunch will be provided by Chef Tarik Abdullah, and entertainment by DJ Top Spin (aka “Blendiana Jones.”) A lifetime Service Achievement award to a member of the Veteran community will also be presented by U.S. Congressman Adam Smith.
Kameko Thomas is CEO and Founder of Vonem Creative Media, and Adjutant and Media Relations Representative for DAV Chapter 23 - West Seattle. She is also a “service connected, disabled veteran living with PTSD” who advocates on behalf of wellness and intersectional inclusion of BIPOC veterans.