In the spirit of Black History Month, the United States Institute for Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR) rolled out the virtual red carpet for its “Unity in Diversity” webinar on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. Among the lineup of influential speakers stood Andrea Dobynes Wagner, a powerhouse activist, and USIDHR Consultant, whose words packed a punch and left an indelible mark on attendees. Guiding the discussion was none other than USIDHR Founder, Isabelle Vladoiu, making the webinar a star-studded affair that highlighted Andrea and other influential Black leaders committed to driving change through their voices and taking action.
With roots in the heart of Alabama, Andrea Dobynes Wagner’s activism is in her blood, hailing from the same soil as civil rights icons like Coretta Scott King. She’s a descendant of Albert Turner and James Dobynes, who were fearless footsoldiers who fought for justice in the Black Belt of Alabama, and she’s carrying that torch proudly into the future.
In her speech, delivered against the backdrop of an Alabama storm, Andrea shared her journey from when she was 15 years old protesting the expulsion of the Jena 6, 18 years ago, to becoming a beacon of hope for marginalized communities. She expressed vehemently: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” – and she’s not staying silent in the face of it.
She further stated: “I am a member of three marginalized groups: I am Black, legally blind, and a woman. These identities come with unique challenges that only those who have experienced them can truly understand”. Andrea’s insight into oppression is undeniably genuine. Rather than fixating on the challenges, she focuses on cultivating empathy and dignity universally, irrespective of one’s background or origins.
Andrea’s speech is not just centered on talk but action. She utilized the opportunity to make a clarion call for an education revolution, urging the unfiltered truth of history to be taught to stop the cycle of injustice. As she passionately articulated: “We must teach the truth, not whitewashed versions of history, to prevent repeating past injustices.” And she’s not afraid to ruffle some feathers, urging folks to challenge lies and push for change wherever they can.
However, Andrea Wagner is not just a webinar warrior. She’s actively engaged, deep in the fray, fighting the good fight on several platforms including LinkedIn and Facebook, sharing knowledge, igniting conversations, and poised to take on challenges that come her way including speaking engagements to keep the momentum going – because justice doesn’t take a break after February.
Andrea is a multifaceted individual, serving as a community educator, DEI strategist, and advocate for disability rights. Her educational background includes degrees from The University of Alabama. Presently, she operates as an independent contractor, delivering DEI training, while concurrently pursuing her doctorate in Communication and Information Sciences, specializing in Social Justice Advocacy.
You can view the webinar on YouTube for additional information on Andrea’s works below.
