Former Surgeon General Will Address Conference

She was once a controversial figure - a woman known for blunt talk and strong opinions on abortion and sex education.

Former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders is no longer in the hot seat, but she’s still a hero to many.

“She’s an excellent doctor and a role model,” said Voncille Molett, regional vice president of Blacks In Government. “She’s made a difference in people’s lives.”

Elders, now a professor at the University of Arkansas Medical School, will visit Spokane on Friday as part of BIG’s 15th-annual regional training conference.

A pediatric endocrinologist, Elders was the first African-American surgeon general and the second woman to hold the position. President Clinton fired her in 1994 for telling an AIDS forum she believes masturbation “perhaps should be taught” to schoolchildren.

Her speech will conclude a three-day conference expected to draw more than 700 people to Spokane. The gathering of Blacks in Government members starts today at the Spokane Convention Center.

During the conference, African Americans from all over the Northwest, Alaska and California will discuss such issues as conflict resolution, racial and sexual harassment and violence in the workplace.

Started in 1975, BIG’s objectives are to advocate equal opportunity, eliminate racism and promote professionalism in government, Molett said.

The regional chapter also provides scholarships to black youth, works with organizations such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Center and sponsors educational workshops.

“Blacks used to be isolated from one another,” said Molett, who’s also the conference chair. “We embrace each other through the tough times and we come together to better ourselves as a people.”

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: BANQUET FRIDAY Former Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders will be the keynote speaker at the Blacks In Government banquet at 7 p.m. Friday at the Ridpath Hotel. Cost is $45. For reservations, call Voncille Molett at 993-7291.