February is Black History Month, a perfect time to build Black futures. Faith for Justice is joining with Deaconess Foundation to host a symposium on investing in the health and power of Black youth.
February 22nd, 9am to 2pm at Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being // you MUST register to reserve space.
Come spend the day learning at the intersections of futurism, youth advocacy and political engagement, committing to building Black futures today. Anyone investing in educational equity, building political power and the well-being of communities of color should bring their expertise to this symposium style event. Everyone who is present will be asked to contribute imaginatively and proactively.
We will be joined by geneaologist and afro-futurist Hilda Davis, activist Zellie Imani, youth organizers of the "We are Not a Risk" campaign, educators, advocates and more.
This event is open to people of all faiths. Childcare and meals are provided. Registration is free, but do reserve space for your group soon, as we have limited seating.
RSVP now! bit.ly/BlackFuturesMonth
Full Schedule: Saturday February 22nd
8:30am Doors & Registration Open
9am Panel Discussion // Breakfast from Oasis Grill // Childcare Open
10am Plenaries: Futurism in Political Engagement // Youth in Imaginative Organizing
11am **Breakout Sessions (detailed below)
12pm “Processing and Next Steps” Panel + Q&A // Lunch from Chef Rabbit Catering
1pm Plenary: Black Community Campaigns for Kids. Policy and Partnership Models
2pm Dismissal, Childcare closes 2:15pm
** Breakout Sessions include these and more!
We are Not a Risk Campaign. Youth organizers will train voters on building political power for self-determination, educational justice, and using their voice and vote to demand an end to anti-blackness in school administrations and cultures.
Wellness & Liberation Mental and emotional health practices for students. Addressing mental health needs in educational systems, learning empathy with and from young scholars.
Tomorrow Builders. Organizing training from a community-led and driven fellowship initiative, centered on Early Childhood Education resources, policy work and civic engagement.
Special Session: Expression Engine. Intergenerational music and arts workshop for improved communication across generational “divides”. Intentionally crafted for young learners to lead and experienced participants to learn like children.
Childcare Information:
Engagement sessions centering Black History and Culture are provided for potty trained preschool-aged children thru young people in 4th grade. 5th graders and above will have leading and learning roles within the symposium itself. Please contact faithforjusticestl@gmail.com with questions.
