Colorism and Skin Lightening

The Center for Justice and Law presents our virtual Fall conference Colorism and Skin Lightening: Addressing an Epidemic of Mercury Poisoning in MN featuring local, national, and international advocates, community members, and leaders on Friday, December 3rd 10:00am-2:00pm CST.

Join us for an in-depth conversation around colorism, racism, and skin lightening that centers the experience of community members while addressing the skin lightening industry in MN and beyond. This four-hour event will include a series of panels, an International Keynote Speaker, and conversations with cross-sector leaders, advocates, scholars, and community members. Our first panel gives space for those with Im/migrant and Refugee backgrounds to discuss root causes of skin lightening such as colorism and structural racism. Our last panel will highlight the advocacy efforts underway in Minnesota and globally to elevate awareness on the present and future state of the Skin Lightening Industry. Stay tuned for the final speaker announcement.

The following CE credits will be available:

• Continuing Education Credit for Educators (4.0 hours)
• Minnesota Board of Social Work (approved for 4.0 hours)

Keynote Address:  

• Kavitha Emmanuel, founder and director of Dark Is Beautiful Campaign, founder of the Women of Worth movement (www.womenofworth.in).

Pre-Panel Speaker: Overview of skin lightening and health impacts in MN

• Dr. Jessica Nelson, epidemiologist at MDH, biomonitoring survey 

Panel 1:  Community Conversations on Colorism 

• Yasmin Hirsi 
• Nadia Mohammed
• Micheal Xiong 
• Abdullahi Abdulle

Panel 2: Future of Skin Lightening: Perspectives from Advocates and Experts

• Dr. Amina Mire (Moderator)
• Ngunan Adamu
• Asha Mohamed
• Minnesota Senator Sandra L. Pappas
• Priya Rao 

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at cjl@hamline.edu.