Oakwood’s school-wide author study of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi came to an extraordinary conclusion as we welcomed Dr. Kendi as our guest for the final Voices Envisioned talk of the school year. Scroll below to watch past Voices Envisioned events!
Ibram X. Kendi is a #1 New York Times bestselling and National Book Award-winning author, the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Boston University, and the founding director of the BU Center for Antiracist Research. His relentless and passionate research puts into question the notion of a post-racial society and opens readers’ and audiences’ eyes to the reality of racism in America today. Kendi’s lectures are sharp, informative, and hopeful, serving as a strong platform for any institution’s discussions on racism and being antiracist.
Four Hundred Souls by Dr. Ibram X Kendi
Additional Books Dr. Ibram X Kendi
Past Voices Envisioned Events
April Reign
Pursuing Justice in the Digital Age
TUE, APRIL 20
As the creator of the viral hashtag-turned-movement, #OscarsSoWhite, April Reign has been challenging the lack of representation of marginalized communities in Hollywood and beyond since 2015. Reign sustains a movement that has resulted in the most permanent systemic change ever seen in the over 80-year history of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Her name continues to be synonymous with this historic change, the results of which are reverberating throughout the entertainment industry and will do so for decades to come.
Tyrone Howard
Uplifting All Children to Cultivate Critical Wellness: Race and Culture Matter
TUE, MARCH 16
Dr. Tyrone Howard addressed the importance of equity, access, and excellence in today’s schools. Using data on today’s student demographics, he discussed strategies, approaches, and resources that school personnel can implement to aid learners, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable students. His talk also addressed the complex challenges that students encounter in their efforts to be successful and how they can be supported socially, emotionally, and academically by parents & guardians, health & wellness practitioners, faculty, staff, and school leaders.
With Drawn Arms Panel
With Drawn Arms: A Conversation about Activism, Art, & Athletics
MON, FEB 22
With Drawn Arms co-directors Glenn Kaino & Afshin Shahidi, Tommie Smith, fellow Olympic gold-medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee, pro-basketball player Chinenye “Chiney” Ogwumike joined Oakwood’s Director of Athletics Steve Smith and Visual Art Chair KP Pepe for a conversation on the intersection of art, activism and athletics.
Dr. Joy DeGruy: Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome and the Effect of Slavery and Institutionalized Racism
THURS, JAN 21
Dr. DeGruy, whose research focuses on the intersection of racism, trauma, violence and American chattel slavery, has over thirty years of practical experience as a professional in the field of social work. She conducts workshops and trainings in the areas of intergenerational/Historical trauma, mental health, social justice, improvement strategies and evidence based model development.
Tiana Day & Jacqueline Azah
Tiana Day & Jacqueline Azah: A Conversation on Youth Activism
TUES, DEC 8
Tiana Dayand Jacqueline Azah shared their backgrounds, how they were drawn into racial and social justice, their accomplishments, and visions for the future. A panel of Oakwood student leaders then moderated the discussion on the promise and power of youth activism.
Patrisse Cullors. Photo by Giovanni Solis
Patrisse Cullors
TUES, OCT 20
We are honored to welcome artist, organizer, activist, freedom fighter, and co-founder of Black Lives Matter Patrisse Cullors as our first Voices Envisioned speaker of the new school year. This virtual talk centered around activism and community organizing.
Now in its 14th year, Voices Envisioned is a speaker series for the entire Oakwood community to engage in dialogue about important issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial & social justice.
