Session Description

Panel of veteran faculty from HBCUs speaking on topics such as:

• The meaning and purpose that HBCUs have in the black community.

• What was their responsibility to their students, their community, the U.S.

• What shifts or changes they have seen in the perception of the importance of education in the black community? Are these shifts positive or negative?

• What advice do you have for educators serving African American students in today’s K-12 and Higher Education systems?

Session Description

A mixed panel discussing issues around privilege.

• Is there such a thing as white privilege?

• Is there such a thing as black privilege?

• Have black folks benefitted from the total experience encountered here in the U.S.?

• Have white folks benefitted from the black experience here in the U.S.?

• How does privilege, racial or economics play into the cultural hegemony of our society?

• How can I be responsible and use privilege to benefit others?

Session Description

Mixed generational panel of (M.S., H.S., College, Early College Grad, Middle Age, Seasoned adults) individuals speaking on the significance of Black History Month from their perspective.

• Should it still exist?

• What are the pros and cons?

• How has the month helped them or anyone they know?

• What do they think K-12 schools and University systems should do during Black History Month?

• Why is this even a conversation that we need to have?

Session Description

A panel of frontline professionals will discuss the integrity of the integration of DEI concepts into the culture of the areas and organizations with which the work. They will discuss the following topics and more.

• After the murder of George Floyd most industries put out statements, etc. indicating their commitment to change. Many posted black squares on Instagram - but did these statements and social media public-facing performative gestures affect real change?

• Let’s talk about the workplace, higher education, and the P-12 classroom.

• What will you, as our next generation of leaders, do now to hold companies, institutions, and systems accountable to be more equitable and inclusive?

Session Description

Panel of Elders who have served as community advocates and activists in the black community. They will discuss topics such as:

• Accommodation vs Talented Tenth – Should the black community seek education to accommodate its own needs or to integrate with the larger society?

• Serving vs being served – Is one more important than the other and have you noticed shifts in either direction between the generations?

• Positive and negative trends you’ve seen in the black community.

• In light of the trends that you have seen, what advice do you have on how black folks can get in a position to be more influential and prosperous in the U.S.?