Annual “Our Day at the Capitol”
Event to feature keynote speaker Julie Chavez Rodriguez

The Kansas African American Affairs Commission and the Kansas Hispanic Latino American Affairs Commission will host the “Our Day at the Capitol” event on Wednesday, February 13th.

“All Kansans are invited to this event as a way to celebrate our cultural diversity and bright future together,” Sebelius said. “I appreciate the efforts of those who have worked to make this celebration possible.”

The event will feature Julie Chavez Rodriguez, granddaughter of Cesar Chavez and programs director for the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation. Having been exposed to the farm worker movement at an early age, Rodriguez is an advocate for social justice and the rights of working people. Rodriguez is currently spearheading the National Youth Leadership Initiative which addresses academic and civic disengagement among youth.

“Ms. Rodriguez is a strong voice for families, the working class and community involvement,” said Steve Cisneros, executive director of the Kansas Hispanic & Latino American Affairs Commission. “We’re grateful to have in her in Kansas to celebrate with us and bring attention to this event”

“This is our day to celebrate the contributions of people of color to the State of Kansas and to build coalitions among our respective communities,” said Danielle Dempsey-Swopes, executive director of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission.

Other activities include the presentation of the Governor’s Distinguished Community Service Awards by Governor Kathleen Sebelius; a panel discussion on state services; and a youth panel on post-secondary education and career readiness.

Sponsoring state agencies include the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs, and The Office of the Governor. Corporate Sponsorship provided by Security Benefit Group.

For more information, please visit www.kaaac.org

At a glance:

10:00 a.m.
Governor Sebelius will present the Governor’s Distinguished Community Service Awards
State Capitol, 2nd Floor Rotunda
Award recipients are:

• Jean Carter-Boniface, Wichita;
• Dr. Deltha Q. Colvin, Wichita;
• Richard E. Mabion, Kansas City;
• Jamelle Brown, Kansas City;
• Lydia Gonzales, Garden City;
• The Reverend William G. Vann, Valley Center;
• Mayor Reynaldo R. Mesa, Garden City;
• Stacie Valdez, Wichita;
• Margo Parks, Wichita;
• Cirilo Arteaga, Wichita;
• Carolyn A. Ruiz, Kansas City;
• Councilman John Alcala, Topeka; and
• Corporate Recipient, Sunflower Broadband, Lawrence Kansas

11:30 a.m.
Youth panel on post-secondary education and career readiness
Dillon House, 404 W. 9th Street, Topeka
Panel members include:

• Alex Cuellar, student, Washburn University School of Law;
• Crystal Viurguez, student,  University of Kansas;
• Kaelyn Seymour, student, Washburn University;
• Deidre Gorynski, student,  Washburn University; and
• Jabari Wamble, Assistant Attorney General

12:30 p.m.
Panel discussion on state services
Memorial Hall Auditorium, 120 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka
Panel members include:

• Russ Jennings, Juvenile Justice Commissioner;
• Don Jordan, Secretary of Social and Rehabilitation Services;
• Professor L. Ali Khan, Washburn University School of Law;
• Elisa Waldman, Kansas Small Business Development Center;
• Luis Figueroa, Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund

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