Captivating keynotes

It’s getting crowded as more people show up. In fact, it was standing room-only this afternoon as Joe Eszterhas (screenwriter for Basic Instinct, Showgirls, Flashdance, etc.) and his biological daughter Suzanne Perryman told their “Mutual Blessing” reunion story. Much of the comments in the Q&A portion focused on the “forgotten” birthparent—the birthfather—with many attendees remarking on their gratefulness to Joe for giving a public voice and face to birthfathers. Would love to get more reactions to this presentation in the Comments section here.

This morning’s keynote, attorney and professor Dorothy Roberts, gave a moving and compelling address on “Why Ending Racial Disproportionality Will Transform Child Welfare.” While the title may be a mouthful, the message was simple: A lack of desperately needed (and wanted!) social services has led to an overwhelmingly large number of African-American children to be taken out of their homes and put into the foster care system. Attendees were obviously moved by the findings, nodding and shaking their heads. Roberts herself was moved to tears at one point, having to stop and take some breaths to continue: “Why do we allow so many black children to be taken away from their mothers and families?” she implored. I think few missed the significance of the silence that followed her question.

The idea that poor families are treated differently—that racial, gender and class inequalities all come into play with this issue—is one that no person who believes in justice can ignore. Those interested in learning more about Roberts and racial disproportionality can click here for an overview, or here to see her book on the subject, “Shattered Bonds.” A blog posting like this doesn’t do her talk, or the topic, the justice it deserves!