Many BIPOC have complained that mainstream education is centered in Whiteness and is taught by predominantly White educators. In an effort to resolve this, Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) in partnership with the African American Leadership Forum (AALF) will host a virtual cultural education forum, “Realizing Wakanda: Educating and Nurturing the Brilliance of our Black Scholars (Students).”
On Thursday, January 22, organizers spoke to the goals of the forum on a special edition of MSR Forefront. “I am dedicated to making sure educators know how to educate our children,” Rose McGee, Humanities Officer at the Minnesota Humanities Center told MSR Forefront host Stephenetta Harmon.
This interactive event is a response to Minnesota’s education disparities and an attempt to give ideas and information about how to offset the lack of cultural understanding included in today’s education system. The event will feature presenters who understand what is needed to implement Black history and culturally relevant curriculum in Minnesota classrooms.
Presenters include noted professors, community educators, students, and parents or caretakers that include Dr. Brian Lozenski, Shakita Thomas Kpetay, Dr. Christopher Lehman, Njia Lawrence-Porter and Kenna-Camara Cottman.
“Participants will receive thought-provoking content, engaging networking opportunities, and unique educational resources,” says LaCora Bradford Kesti, AALF’s director of collective impact.
“The Minnesota Humanities Center is honored to partner with AALF and its Workstream to host this forum to enhance student engagement, create culturally relevant materials, and uplift Black scholars,” said Kevin Lindsey, CEO.
Participants may register to attend either of the virtual two-day forums being held on February 2 and 3 from 5:30 to 8 pm each day.
Each day opens with dynamic performing artists. Gary Hines and the Grammy award-winning Sounds of Blackness will perform on February 2, and poet and spoken word artist Thandisizwe Jackson-Nisan will perform on February 3.
To register for Realizing Wakanda: Educating and Nurturing the Brilliance of our Black Scholars, go to www.mnhum.org. CEU credits will be available.
