Join Us!

November 9, 2024

In Person

New Jersey Law Center

One Constitution Square

New Brunswick, NJ 08901

About The Summit

Yes We Adopt is proud to present the 4th Annual Yes We Adopt: Black Voices Amplified Summit. This in person Summit will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM EST at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick, NJ. The Yes We Adopt Summit was created to amplify diverse Black voices touched by adoption or foster care. As the African Proverb states “It takes a village to raise a child,” the intent of this virtual event is to assemble th “village” to share our stories and empower change in recognition of the Black adoption and foster care community.

Too often we see adoption stories in the news and media about non-Black families as saviors, sunshine, and rainbows, however, when Black stories are featured, they are negative stories or highlight the “ungrateful” adoptee. The Black Voices Amplified Suummit is here to rewrite the narrative. Yes, we adopt with positive outcomes and hard truths!

Who should attend? In recognition of National Adoption Awareness Month (NAAM), the entire constellation including adoptees, foster alum, birth/first parents, kinship family, adoptive parents, foster parents, prospective adoptive/foster parents, as well as advocates and professionals in adoption and foster care.

Event Schedule

November 9, 2024
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM EST

8:30 am EST

Registration

Breakfast & Mingle

Check-in and start your day with a lite breakfast while meeting with fellow attendees.

9:00 am EST

Opening Remarks

Speaker: Stacey Gatlin; Founder, Yes We Adopt

Emcee: Damon L. Davis; Adopted Person, Adoptive Parent, Author, Podcaster

Welcome to the Black Voices Amplified Summit!

9:15 am EST

Keynote

Speaker: Joi Fisher-Griffin; Adopted Person, Advocate, Author

Fostering Understanding: Advocacy for Adoptees and Families in Schools and Communities.

9:45 AM EST

Amplified Voices: Adoptee Panel

Panelists: Lydia Martin; Adopted Person and Adopted Professional, Ambition the Poet; Foster Alum

Be empowered by this powerful adoptee panel who will share insights on how they amplify their voices and own their truth. Some topics they’ll cover include: the power of community, importance of healing, their reunion journey, why advocacy matters, and more.

11:00 am EST

Hot Topics with a Birth Parent

Panelists: D. Yvonne Rivers; Birth/First Parent, Podcaster

This session will provide an OPEN discussion facilitated by Yvonne to discuss:

• Managing the Secrets or “ Unspoken” in families

• The F-O-G , Fear , Obligation and Guilt/Grief

• Steps to Healing and Forgiveness

• Developing Community with the Adoption Triad

• Advocacy for OBC and Adoptee / Birth / First Parents Rights

12:05 PM EST

LUNCH & NETWORKING

1:10 PM EST

Artistic Expression:

Performer: David Proctor; Adopted Person

Be enlighted by this magnetic performance about a prodigal rebellion and fleeting moments for redemption.

1:50 PM EST

Recruitment, Foster Care and Adoption

Speaker: LaShonda Dumas; Resource Family Recruiter DCF

Learn about the different types of adoption and the requirements to become an adoptive or resource/foster parent, discuss outreach and need for families.

3:00 PM EST

The Constellation Conversation

Panelists: Adopted Person, Birth/First Parent, Adoptive Parent, Advocate or Professional

Be engaged by these members of the adoption “constellation.” This collection of voices offers diverse perspectives and intricate dynamics within the adoption and foster community. The aim is to bridge gaps, dismantle misconceptions, and cultivate a space where empathy and support flourish.

4:00 PM EST

Closing Remarks

How do we lend our time and talent to advocate for families and cared for persons?