Issue Intersection

In 2008, when local activist Richard Mabion first organized a conference merging interracial dialogue and environmental protection, he called it “Breaking the Silence.” Now in its third year, the gathering is making more noise than ever. The two-day event, packed with workshops, discussions and straight-up partying, features keynote addresses from Roderick Bremby, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and Sarah Rush, great-granddaughter of Booker T. Washington. It includes a movie screening about Africa’s most notable eco-activist and a free health screening from the Wyandotte County Health Department. As in the past, registration is $1 a day. Be part of the dialogue from 5 to 10 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Reardon Center (520 Minnesota Avenue in KCK). See breakingthesilence.us for more information.

Fri., Jan. 8, 5-10 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 9, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., 2010