This is a conference for those who got it, those who get it, and those who need it. Use the code FREEDOM to register for this important work and receive 75% off the registration fee!
The conference will be held on March 22, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and March 23, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Barbara A. Sizemore Academy – WHERE THE STUDENTS OF ENGLEWOOD ARE LOVED – 6547 S. Stewart Ave., Chicago IL.
THOSE WHO GOT IT
Every Black person has benefited from the God-given wisdom that envelops a child in the very DNA of his or her parents. This divine intervention exemplifies how important it is to swaddle a child in his or her own organic and indigenous cultural gifts from the womb to the tomb.
The world is a better place, and business is better business, money is better spent when we, each and all, are fully equipped to bring our whole self to the whole community.
THOSE WHO GET IT
Black children need to see, in their educators, on their walls, in their halls, in their books, in their music, in their peers, in their elders, in those charged with their care, themselves.
Enlightenment reveals the greatness of self and the power that can be freely shared in the community. With vigilance and passion, the Academy must protect this mission for a lifetime. If she compromises this mission, she fails to be an institution of learning and becomes a weapon of mass destruction and an enemy of the student’s community.
To under-educate or miseducate, ironically (even out of ignorance) a Black child, is to destroy the potential and possibility of the future of the whole human community and slow down human evolution. A grave sin.
This is not easy work or light duty, but it is critical work that is truly life-giving, both to the provider and the beneficiary of the education of the self.
THOSE WHO NEED IT
When public policies and practices threaten the very life of a child, his or her place of learning becomes an oasis in the desert. A child in a world of odds stacked against him clearly does not need a casino. This child needs a school. A place, a people and a pedagogy that do nothing but equip her or him to succeed against all odds. She and he must learn to define success as protecting and building up that which belongs to all and depends on each.
It is only with this knowledge of kujichagulia (self-determination) and the common sense of ujima (collective work and responsibility) that we can humbly assist the beautiful and mystical beings who sit to learn and stand to teach the Truth.
REGISTRATION
Includes all access, materials, meals, and socials. $125 after March 18th Register online at: https://conta.cc/2MHxSzG
SCHEDULE
Fri., March 22, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
4 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Welcome, Libation, Local Perspective, Overview of ABEN
4:30 – 5 p.m. – Dr. King’s Video
5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Hashim’s Presentation
5:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Closing Remarks, Review of Tomorrow’s Schedule
Sat., March 22, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. – Check in, Continental Breakfast/Networking
9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. – Welcome, Libation, Overview of Day
9:45 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Dr. Stephen Hancock
10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Dr. Chike Akua
10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Break
11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Tony Browder
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Kobie Wilkerson
12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m. – Lunch and Dismissal
Titles of Presentations & Brief Descriptions
Dr. Joyce King: “Black Education” – In this video presentation, internationally-renowned professor and researcher Dr. Joyce King articulates why the masses of Black students continue to fail in schools across this country and what can be done to reverse this backward slide.
Hashim Jabar: “The Culturally Relevant Curriculum and Culturally Responsive Schools Toolkit” – This presentation will focus on how the West Dayton Youth Task Force worked with the Dayton Public Schools to implement the Toolkit. Each conference attendee will receive a copy of the powerful Toolkit.
Dr. Stephen Hancock: “White Women’s Work” – This presentation is based on Dr. Hancock’s latest book by the same title, wherein he examines the intersection of race and gender in classrooms with Black children. He unpacks what he calls “The Goldilocks Effect” and how it impacts Black student success.
Dr. Chike Akua: “This Is What Teacher Transformation Looks Like” – This presentation focuses on the powerful pedagogies and practices that Dr. Akua shares with teachers across the country. The audience will leave with many culturally relevant resources to apply next week!
Tony Browder: “The CIP and the 10th Anniversary of the ASA Restoration Project” – In this presentation, attendees will learn about the Cultural Imperative Program (CIP) rolled out in 10 cities around the country this school year for high school students and focused on re-connecting them to the greatness of their African past via the best-selling book titled “From the Browder File.”
Additionally, exciting updates on the restoration of a 25th-Century tomb in Kemet (Egypt) will be shared.
Kobie Wilkerson: “Get Ready!” – This highly-interactive presentation has attendees on their feet and moving to the music that helps students engage and enjoy learning.
For conference registration and direct contact information, go to or visit the following website https://facebook.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=924ac7597aecf702e74f64c7f&id=bbee7cd302&e=b899291683
ABOUT THE ACADEMY
The Barbara A. Sizemore Academy (grades K-8) is part of the Betty Shabazz International Charter School (BSICS) network, which was established in 1998 and is an African-centered charter school. Since its inception, BSICS has consistently produced exemplary, high achieving students who have a strong sense of cultural identity and a commitment to make positive contributions to the community and the world.
Barbara A. Sizemore has partnerships with health, service and arts organizations including St. Benedict the African Catholic Church, St. Bernard Hospital, Cook County Health Systems, Chicago Cares, and the Englewood Black International Film Festival. There is an annual community Kwanzaa celebration hosted by the school. During the month of February, for Black History Month, the students mount their own “Blacks in Wax” exhibit.
