For the past seven years, E4E has been hosting critical conversations about the challenges and brilliance of Black Children with scholars, artists, activists, and practitioners, all of whom are experts in some aspect of educating Black children. We have discussed so much during that time, from literacy rates to parent engagement, positive youth development to restorative justice, Black and Brown solidarities and Hip Hop Education. We have provided a comprehensive series of conversations with some of the leading thinkers and workers in Black education. From legends like the Notorious GLB or Dr. Juwanza Kunjufu, to modern scholars like Dr. Shawn Ginwright or Dr. Bettina Love. This is a high level free professional development opportunity for educators of Black children. This work is not theoretical for us, rather it is foundational to our commitment to improving the futures of Black people.
Freedom Dreaming Futures
The SF Human Rights Commission as part of their Dream Keepers Initiative is spearheading an innovative virtual live event series called Freedom Dreaming Futures (FDF). Hosted and Produced by Edutainment for Equity, FDF presents a discussion between some of the top thought leaders in African American society about the future possibilities for Black people. The dialogues tackle some of the most pressing issues currently facing black communities locally and nationally. The goal of Freedom Dreaming is to create community dialogue about the current state of Black America and its Future, centered in the San Francisco Bay Area. FDF features include journalist and hip hop author DJ Davey D of Hard Knock Radio and an artistic feature from local and national recording and visual artists.
The Future of Natural Alignment ft. Erykah Badu
In this conversation Natural Alignment refers to the relationship of Black people to the natural world, and to the naturalness of ourselves. Experienced in a variety of forms that are often considered to be spiritual or sacred, the relationship between human beings and the natural world is being increasingly disrupted by forces often beyond our control. Climate Change, the influx of technology, and oppressive systems can cause people to experience a disconnect between themselves and the earth, or even within themselves. This conversation will offer insight into that future, and vision from Artist, Activist, Doula and Healer Erykah Badu as to how we can restore our alignment and manifest a natural and healthy future.
The Future of Afrofuturism ft. Ytasha Womack
Afrofuturism is an emerging cultural movement realligning the imagination and possibilities for Black people. Explored in the world of science fiction inspired by the life and legacy of Octavia Butler, and dreamed in the intergalactic sounds of Sun Ra, Afrofuturism is a cultural aesthetic philosophy of science and history that explores the intersection of African and Afrian dispora culture with science, technology, the future and the ancient past. Ytasha Womack author of Afrofuturism: The world of Black Scifi and Fantasy Culture, will share vision of the future with us.
The Future of Antiblackness and Institutional Racism ft. Ta-Nehisi Coates
Data as it relates to the cities, counties and states of the United States reveal anti-black outcomes accross the board in various spheres including but not limited to education, health, wealth, environment, employment, income, etc. Black people often appear at the bottom of all the positive statistics and at the top of all the negative statistics. Despite this reality, elected officials and policy makers claim institutional racism does not exist. Author, Public Intellectual and Critical Thinker Ta-Nehisi Coates will share with us his vision for the future of this cultural characteristic, including exploring reparations as a path to the future.
The Future of Prisons and Schools ft. Marc Lamont Hill
Data as it relates to these two American institutions far too often reveal Black people at the bottom of rates in literacy, college admission and completion, and academic achievement. Far too often Black people are at the top of rates of suspension, expulsion, incarceration and injustice. Author, Scholar, Media personality Marc Lamont Hill will share with us his vision for the future of these institutions, including exploring abolition as a mandate and imagining new possibility for Black Education and Healing.