Rural ≠ White
Session Type(s): Panel
Starts: Friday, Aug. 3 10:00 AM (Eastern)
Ends: Friday, Aug. 3 11:15 AM (Eastern)
Since the election of Donald Trump, many pundits and professional Democrats have “white washed” rural America. But the fact is, immigrants are revitalizing small towns and rural communities across the country while African African voters across the rural south and Native American voters in the Great Plains have long been critical members of the Democratic coalition. This panel will feature rural leaders of color across the country working to pass progressive reforms at the state, local and federal level.
Moderator
Matthew Hildreth
Matthew leverages online technologies to motivate key constituencies toward greater civic engagement. He is Board Chair of Rural Organizing.org and Director of New Initiatives at America’s Voice. Matt began his career working in television before jumping into national political communications over a decade ago. He grew up on a small farm in Eastern South Dakota and is a graduate of Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota where he studied Philosophy and Communications. He holds an Executive Education Certificate from Harvard University’s Leadership, Organizing and Action program, and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Communication from the University of Iowa.
Panelists
Francys Johnson
Francys Johnson, a noted civil rights lawyer, pastor, and professor, is a committed progressive and public servant who has spent his life advocating for real solutions that will expand opportunity for all Americans.
Francys’ entrance into politics is indicative of his life’s work: found in the command of Micah 6:8 to love mercy, do justice, and walk humbly. He recently won the Democratic nomination for Georgia’s 12th Congressional District winning all 19 counties and 240 of 243 precincts. Francys has proven to be an outspoken champion for constitutional liberties. As a fierce advocate for government accountability, Francys will work tirelessly to make Government work for working people in Dublin, Douglas, Millen, Metter, Waynesboro or Washington, D.C.