American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
Future Reflections Convention 2022 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
All Together Again
by Deborah Kent Stein
The check-in line at the New Orleans Marriott was long and confusing. For a while the line didn't seem to be moving at all. Yet most of us didn't mind. People laughed and greeted one another, asked questions, and shared stories. I felt as though we were gathered for a gigantic family reunion. The fun was underway even before we managed to get checked in.
The vast lobby of the New Orleans Marriott echoed with a sound I hadn't heard in nearly three years—the tapping of hundreds of long white canes. This was the convention of the National Federation of the Blind. We were all together again!
Due to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 NFB conventions were held virtually. Virtual convention had some distinct advantages; people from all over the world could attend. From Zimbabwe to Taiwan, people bridged time zones to listen to speeches and take part in convention workshops. With more than 10,000 people registered, the 2020 NFB National Convention was the largest gathering of blind people in history.
Our virtual conventions were outstanding events, but most of us longed for the camaraderie of gathering face to face. This year in New Orleans we had that opportunity at last, and the good times rolled!
This issue of Future Reflections attempts to capture some of the substance and spirit of the 2022 NFB National Convention, which was held from July 5 through July 10. Convention began on July 5 with the annual conference of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC). The day started with opening remarks by NOPBC President Carlton Anne Cook Walker, followed by a keynote address by longtime Federationist Chancey Fleet. Later, while the children played in Kids Camp or took part in Youth Track activities, parents and teachers participated in a variety of workshops.
Carla McQuillan announced the recipient of this year's Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award at the annual NFB board meeting. Later at the board meeting the 2022 National Scholarship finalists introduced themselves.
Robert McCallum, the Distinguished Educator, spoke about his life and work at the meeting of the NOPBC board. The meeting closed with the election of a new slate of NOPBC officers and board members who will carry forward the work of this proud division of the NFB.
General Sessions were held during the last three days of convention. This issue of Future Reflections includes a small selection of the presentations that were delivered.
The annual banquet was the grand finale of Convention. After convention-goers enjoyed a delicious New Orleans dinner, NFB President Mark Riccobono delivered a stirring banquet address, “Spirit, Togetherness, and Service: The Signature of the Blind People's Movement.” You can read it at https://nfb.org//images/nfb/publications/bm/bm22/bm2208/bm220810.htm or hear the full address at https://nfb.org/images/nfb/audio/braille_monitor/2022/augsept/12_spirit_togetherness_and_service_
the_signature_of_the_blind_peoples_movement.mp3.
As generations of Federationists have discovered, much of the important work of Convention takes place outside meetings and presentations. People share ideas over lunch, get inspired in the Art Room, and talk at impromptu gatherings late into the night. Even waiting for an elevator is a chance for people to connect. “Hi, where are you from? Hey, do you happen to know . . .”
I hope this issue of Future Reflections helps you understand why Convention is such a core feature of participation in and commitment to the National Federation of the Blind. Please join us in Houston in 2023!