First of Three Programs Will Take Place on Wednesday, August 26th
Named after Muhammad Ali’s famous quote, “I Am America. I am the part you won’t recognize,” the Muhammad Ali Center’s new virtual program series will be comprised of bold, courageous, and challenging conversations that tackle the topic of racial justice. The first program will take place on Wednesday, August 26th from 5-6 p.m. EDT. The “I Am America” series will provide participants a further understanding of racism—from both a historical perspective and how social justice issues today are both systemic and institutional in nature. An important programmatic outcome will be arming participants with resources to incorporate action steps for creating positive social change through intentional and concerted efforts.
During the continued Covid19 pandemic, these sessions will be conducted virtually to support the health and safety of our community. The “I Am America” series will take place every other Wednesday, but the recorded sessions will be available through the Ali Center’s website after each event.
All virtual programs in the “I Am America” series are free; a $10 donation is suggested.
Full List of Programs:
Youth Should Be Seen AND Heard: Amplifying Youth Voice & Leadership in Social Movements :: Wednesday, August 26, 2020, 5:00-6:00PM, EDT
This program acknowledges the pivotal and historical role that young people have played in movement-building as we sit down with current youth activists in Louisville and hear their insight and perspectives.
Panelists:
- Jailen Leavall – Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, Senior Fellow
- Imani Smith – “One Love Louisville” Youth Implementation Team member & Youth Coalition Louisville Organizer
- Aubri Stevenson – Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students Alum & Youth Organizer
- Moderated by Darryl Young Jr., Muhammad Ali Center Manager of Programming
Register for Youth Should Be Seen AND Heard HERE.
Healthy at Home? Healthy at Work?: Viewing the COVID19 Crisis Through a Racial Justice Lens :: Wednesday, September 9, 2020, 5:00-6:00 PM EDT
“Healthy at home? Healthy at work?” will examine the phrasing that has become synonymous with our “new normal” as we dig deeper and examine who is really effected as front line workers and why we see the disparities we see in health outcomes.
Panelists:
- Brandy Kelly Pryor – Humana Foundation
- Gonzales – Director of the Center for Health Equity
- Trinidad Jackson – D. Candidate in the University of Louisville School of Public Health
- Moderated by Steven Kniffley Jr., Associate Director for the Spalding University Center for Behavioral Health
Register for Healthy at Work? Healthy at Home? HERE.
Believing In a Better World: Talking with Children about Race and Racial Violence :: Wednesday, September 23, 2020, 7:00-8:30 PM EDT
Together, Flyaway Books and the Muhammad Ali Center will host a virtual panel discussion with the creators of the brand-new picture book, For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World. Inspired by real-life events, the book tells the story of a boy named Jeremiah and his family who discover hopeful forms of activism and advocacy in response to racism and gun violence in their community. For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World includes a discussion and activity guide created by the Muhammad Ali Center that explores racism, gun violence, and social change.
Panelists:
- Michael W. Waters – Author of For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World
- Keisha Morris – Illustrator of For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World
- Erin E. Herbert – Director of Programming at the Muhammad Ali Center and Co-writer of the Guide
- Darryl Young, Jr. – Manager of Programming at the Muhammad Ali Center and Co-writer of the Guide
- Moderated by Emmy award-winning journalist, Jean West of Jean West’s Medical Digest
For more information about the book, visit: https://www.flyawaybooks.com/for-beautiful-black-boys
Register for Believing In a Better World HERE.
“I am America. I am the part you won’t recognize. But get used to me – black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own. Get used to me.” – Muhammad Ali