“Expedition Reclamation” Film Screening

VIRTUAL FILMMAKER TALKBACK SESSION

Rebekah Graham | Co-Producer, Project Intern is a recent graduate of The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA, with a Bachelor of Science in field ecology. She enjoys constantly asking questions, sharing knowledge, and being in relationship with human and more-than-human communities. Rebekah is a transracial adoptee from China and can often be found drinking tea along the Salish Sea.

DISCUSSION PANELISTS

Dr. Crystal Edwards - Moderator

Dr. Crystal M. Edwards is the visionary behind the innovative organization, Empowering Single Moms, Inc. An educator committed to the goal of self-sufficiency for Single Mothers, Edwards works to elevate their status as well as to improve the lives of their children and future generations.

As a researcher, author, motivational speaker and education activist, Edwards is a creative-thinker poised to develop lasting solutions for Single Mothers, the community and youth. That passion is coupled with a doctorate degree in educational leadership and 24 years of experience impacting the lives of our youth.

Edwards serves as a principal in one of the largest, urban school districts. Dr. Edwards is an active board member of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, Temple University Black Alumni Association and Philadelphia Outward Bound School. In addition, Dr. Edwards is a wife, mother and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Dyresha Harris

Before moving to Philly 18 years ago, Dyresha Harris grew up as a city kid in a low income neighborhood in Washington DC. Her long and complicated journey in developing her own relationship with nature has fueled her passion for learning about and supporting other BIPOC folks in theirs.  She has spent the last 10 years directing the residential wilderness camp she has participated in since a child. While there, she founded the Strengthening Transformative Relationships in Diverse Environments (STRIDE) program, which engages youth in creating inclusive communities in the outdoors. She is a member of Philly Thrive, a grassroots eco justice organization in SW Philly, and is a trip leader for Outdoor Afro.

Sidney Palmer

Sidney Palmer grew up on a farm outside of Philadelphia with an unwavering love for the outdoors. She has participated in three programs with POBS, where she was able to hone her outdoor skills. More recently, Sidney has become an avid rock climber and is currently an organizer for PCOC, a local group that seeks to make rock climbing more accessible for BIPOC folks in the Philly area. Sidney is a graduate student pursuing a degree in public health and works in the field of harm reduction. She is passionate about health equity, and values outdoor spaces as important parts of fostering and maintaining health.

Robin Roberts

Robin Roberts is an avid outdoorsperson who rekindled her love of camping on a trip out West. She appreciates the restorative powers of nature and acknowledges the diverse barriers that may keep people away. She is a certified Wilderness First Responder, the founder of newly established Philly Gear Library, and 4th year volunteer leader with Outdoor Afro.