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Midwestern Regional BDA Conference Highlights - by Rosalind ClarkCleveland Black Deaf Advocates, Chapter 2 welcomed representatives, members and friends to Middleburg Heights, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio on July 27th- 29th for the NBDA 4th Midwestern Regional Conference where we gathered at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. States included Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Kentucky. We were honored to have our NBDA president, Benro Ogunyipe, secretary Sharon White and regional representative, Dale Moore, attend, as well.
Friday’s events began with a welcome and the first workshop on Social Security, led by Brandon Smith, the Public Affairs Director for our area. Delegates met during the afternoon while others were free to visit the several exhibits and get ready for the evening reception. Old and new friends mingled and enjoyed the many hors d’oeuvres and had a chance to thank our sponsors.
Saturday was ever busier. One of our sponsors was Sorenson Communications; and District Manager Steve Burford gave an excellent presentation on its new NTouch. Lucky members won fabulous door prizes that he donated! The afternoon was equally exciting! Dr. Ronald Adams, Chief of Internal Medicine from our local Kaiser Permanente focused on wellness, especially in relation to diabetes. Dr. Brian Freeman, manager of the Deaf Addiction Recovery Program through Catholic Charities and Anthony Williams, Probation Officer for the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, educated us about drug addiction and pre-sentencing investigations, respectively. A lively Q & A followed. Program chair, Chuck Williams, unfortunately, had to limit questions to get ready for the general meeting. Dale Moore was elected for a second term, and members discussed how to re-activate Chapters.
The Saturday night banquet was a huge success. After a wonderful buffet meal, we heard author/actress Kambri Crews talk about her book, Burn Down the Ground. We were fascinated by her stories growing up as a CODA in rural Texas. She stayed to sign autographs of her book. Other fabulous door prizes were won, and we rounded out the night by dancing to a DJ.
Thanks go to all of our sponsors, exhibitors, hard-working committee members and those who joined us as we said our goodbyes on Sunday morning. CBDA # 2 was honored to have been your conference host. See you in New Orleans at the next one!
Posted in: NBDA Members