We stand with the protestors that are speaking out against the chronic and pervasive systemic racism that has led to George Floyd’s death and that of countless others before him. Change and reform are needed now. Racial injustice and economic inequality are deeply connected, and both are at the root of many tragedies playing out all across America. What can we do, individually and collectively, to be part of the solution?
We ask you to join us at SPECTRUM Virtual June 9 – 11, 2020 to share your thoughts on what must be done and listen to the perspectives of multicultural changemakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors who are working to create an inclusive impact economy where everyone can thrive. In this age of necessary social distancing, we will meet online instead of in person, but this work is more urgent now than ever. We cannot wait.
Here are 10 reasons why SPECTRUM Virtual is an event you can’t miss:
1. We’ll focus on building racial equity.
Racial equity will be at the heart of all SPECTRUM conversations, with each day focusing on one pathway to positive change:
- Day 1 Access (6/9): We’ll work to ensure communities of color gain equal access to resources, services, and opportunities.
- Day 2 Inclusion (6/10): We’ll focus on shifting power dynamics and building an inclusive ecosystem ensures that everyone is part of the system and vital to its overall success.
- Day 3 Impact (6/11): We’ll highlight entrepreneurs and other leaders who are creating positive impact locally and nationally
2. Powerful Voices Sharing Expertise and Inspiration
SPECTRUM Virtual will feature the voices of leaders, visionaries, artists, and trailblazers who will share their powerful and inspiring stories and ideas for how we can work together to build access, inclusion, and impact for communities of color. The list of speakers includes:
- Stacey Abrams, Fair Fight and Southern Economic Advancement Project
- Erika Alexander, Color Farm Media
- Rashad Robinson, Color of Change
- Marc Bamuthi Joseph, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- Crystal Echo Hawk, IllumiNative
- Liz Dozier, Chicago Beyond
- Debra Schwartz, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
- Cynthia Muller, W.K.Kellogg Foundation
- Sarah Eagle Heart, Return to the Heart Foundation
- Marcos Gonzalez, Vamos Ventures
- Kesha Cash, Impact America Fund
- Michelle Arrington, Verizon
- Pamela Alexander, Ford Motor Company
- And many more
3. Engage with Leaders of the Movement
SPECTRUM will again be produced by SOCAP, a convener that brings together the largest impact community in the world. SPECTRUM Virtual is being created with the support and involvement of our Advisory Council, sponsors, national, regional, and local Network Partners, Ambassadors, and collaborators–individuals and organizations who are leaders of the movement to increase access for founders of color and build an inclusive and equitable economy.
4. Nadia Brigham
Nadia Brigham, President of Brigham Consulting, will be back to facilitate the conversations at SPECTRUM Virtual. Nadia brings over 20 years of experience in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion particularly focused on racial equity and community engagement. For SPECTRUM Virtual, Nadia will use her skills as a facilitator and coalition builder to help us listen to each other, share our own stories and perspectives, gain new insights, and make personal commitments to take meaningful action.
5. Entrepreneurs and Innovators
In partnership with Village Capital, Abaca, and The Intentionally Good Project/Goodie Nation, SPECTRUM Virtual will be bringing 35 innovative entrepreneurs to the event through our scholarship program. They will be sharing their stories and insights on the changes that founders of color need to see to increase overall funding opportunities.
6. Successful Projects Grow Out of SPECTRUM
Even though it’s only our second year, SPECTRUM has already seen evidence of the success of our approach. We saw many new partnerships and projects grow out of SPECTRUM 2019. Real capital went to entrepreneurs and ideas that were birthed at SPECTRUM. One example is Joey Womack’s Intentionally Good Project–a collective impact initiative that creates an unfair advantage for diverse-led (Black, Latina or Women) startups, social impact startups, and tech training programs.
7. Help Map the Gaps
At SPECTRUM Virtual we will lay the foundation for systemic change by collectively identifying today’s biggest challenges facing founders of color. After the event, we will collect all of the insights contributed by the SPECTRUM community and issue a report on the gaps that are preventing funding from going to business leaders and communities of color.
8. Deepen Connections at a Civic Dinner
Because we share their belief that meaningful conversation can spark real and lasting change, we have again partnered with Civic Dinners. To help deepen connections between SPECTRUM attendees, Civic Dinners will provide a virtual platform for conversations that matter over dinner–or lunch or breakfast.
9. Live Performances
Every day of SPECTRUM will feature inspiring performances including music, poetry, and inspiring stories.
We are honored that the renowned poet, dancer, and social impact leader Marc Bamuthi Joseph, who is The Vice President and Artistic Director of Social Impact at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, will appear at SPECTRUM again this year.
10. Classes for the Mind and Body
The SPECTRUM community will also learn together as part of the event.
Julio Rivera, creator of the Liberate Meditation app designed for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color will lead a meditation class.
Carrie Spindler, founder Goodiebox Bakeshop, will tell the inspiring story of her journey to entrepreneurship while demonstrating how to bake one of her specialties.
Please Join Us
Over these three days, the SPECTRUM community will have real conversations about economic inequality in a virtual space. Together we’ll identify ways we can work together to close the racial wealth gap and build an equitable economy, one that offers equal access to capital and resources, embraces inclusion, and drives positive impact in communities across the United States.
We need your voice and your ideas.
Want to make a bigger impact? Help bring more people to the conversation at SPECTRUM Virtual! Learn how you can Pay it Forward and broaden this community. PAY IT FORWARD
