March 13, 2002 Contact: Bryant Payne (312)355-2523; [email protected]
UIC to Host 'Color of Violence' Conference
The University of Illinois at Chicago and INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence, a national planning group, will host a three-day conference entitled "Color of Violence II 2002: Building a Movement," March 15 - 17 at the UIC Chicago Circle Center, 750 S. Halsted St.
At the public conference, which is being held during Women's Heritage Month, more than 1,400 scholars, advocates and activists will gather to explore the forms of violence against women and girls of color.
"Violence against women has come to be recognized as an important social problem in the last 20 years," said Beth Richie, UIC professor of criminal justice and chair of the conference organizing committee. "By focusing on women of color, we are building a movement that holds our communities accountable and links with women worldwide to make ideas work."
Social and political advances have increased safety for women, according to Richie. Women of color, however, are disproportionately affected by violence, and current interventions do not meet the need for safety and justice for these groups.
"This conference will bring together academics, activists and those who have expertise in the areas of race/ethnicity, gender, violence, public policy and other related fields to celebrate women and probe the manifestations and consequences of gender violence for women of color," said Richie.
Angela Davis, Critical Resistance; Beth Richie, UIC; Andrea Smith, INCITE!; and a representative of Revolutionary Afghanistan Women's Association will comment on the symposium's theme and key findings at 8 a.m., March 16, in the Cardinal Room of the UIC Chicago Circle Center.
Prominent political figures, activists and scholars will analyze strategies and provide links for communities of color to respond to violence against women. There will be breakout workshops, open-mike opportunities, a video presentation and a reception including cultural performances.
"By taking a broader approach, we hope to develop a deeper understanding of violence against women of color -- one that incorporates a social justice analysis into the work, which is typically more narrowly focused on service and psychological counseling," said Richie.
Richie will be available to summarize each day's discussions. Interviews can be arranged by contacting Bryant Payne, (312) 355-2523 or Proshat Skekarloo, (773) 588-6948; pager (773) 207-3881.
For conference details, visit www.incite-national.org
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