Nevada’s black history covered at Carson City Democrats lunch

Jo Etta Brown, executive vice president of the Alliance for Retired Americans and a senior member of the Nevada Commission for Women, will be the featured speaker at the Martin Luther King Day luncheon sponsored by the Democratic Men’s Committee of Carson City.

Brown’s presentation will feature a review of Dr. King’s legacy as an advocate for peace and social justice, the mostly forgotten story of Nevada as “the Mississippi of the West,” and the little-known history of African Americans in Carson City and Carson Valley.

After 30 years of corporate banking experience and significant community involvement, Brown became a leader of the Alliance for Retired Americans Community Advocacy Network. Her professional skills translated into developing activists into Alliance leaders through training programs and community alliances.

When Brown began her career in banking, few women could be found in managerial positions. She became a staunch advocate for equal pay while serving in the executive suite of American Savings Bank.

In Los Angeles, Brown was appointed to the Mayor’s Council under Mayor Tom Bradley. In that capacity, she oversaw community block grant funding and urban development projects.

Having helped create a community-based bank, Brown participated in the development of more than 275 business plans that resulted in more than $10 million in small business loans.

She served as governor of Soroptimist International of the Americas, Desert Coast Region, servicing 62 clubs and more than 2,900 members. The Soroptimists strive to improve the lives of women and girls.

As a member of the Douglas County Planning Commission, Brown helped to establish age standards for seniors, resulting in the area’s first affordable housing project for seniors.

Brown has been called to testify before Congress as an expert in the areas of affordable housing and urban development. Her work on affordable housing has been incorporated into the “Lending and Diversity” handbook produced by the USC School of Business Management.

This event is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 21, in the banquet room of Carson City’s Round Table, on Retail Drive just off College Parkway.

Sponsored by the Democratic Men’s Committee, these luncheons help to defer recurring expenses at Carson City’s Democratic HQ. Suggested donations of $5 or more gratefully accepted but aren’t required. All are welcome.

For information contact Rich Dunn at 434-8783 or richdunn@aol.com.