2024 Social Justice Institute Think Tank October 24-26, 2024

Think Tank Keynote Speaker Announcement

Social Justice Institute Intergenerational Think Tank 

Coalition Building: We are Better & Stronger Together

 
October 24-26, 2024
ϳԹ
Cleveland, Ohio

The Social Justice Institute at ϳԹ hosted its Biennial Intergenerational Think Tank from October 24 - 26, 2024. Our theme was "Coalition Building: We Are Better and Stronger Together."  The convening began on Thursday, October 24th with a short film screening of and panel discussion. Then, we moved to on Friday, October 25th for an All-Community Reception. We concluded on Saturday, October 26th in conversation with local and national thought-leaders as we explore the current state of the struggle. , our keynote speaker, and panelists poignantly provided insights on a myriad of topics including human rights, community organizing, and education. The discussions examined the nexus between power, race, class, political repression, and war through multiple lenses. 

Panel conversations with national and local social justice thought leaders included:

Think Tank guest speakers headshots

, , Noel Cummings, , ., , Al Johns, , , , ,  & more.
 

Schedule of Events


Thursday, October 24th Screening of  and Panel Discussion 5:30 - 7:00 pm
      ϳԹ School of Law (11075 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106)

5:30 pm Welcome

Black Beauty film poster

5:45 pm Film Screening of  

Directed by and featuring activist , Black Beauty is a visual diary that traces Elle’s story in her own words—as she reconnects with loved ones from the past, recalls her coming of age experience as a woman from the Midwest, and reflects on her journey as a movement leader and founding strategic partner of the global movement Black Lives Matter.

6:15 pm Moderated Panel Discussion and Q & A
      Moderator: Avery Ware, Director of the ϳԹ LGBT Center
      Panelists: Noel Cummings, Al Johns, and  


Friday, October 25th, All-Community Reception, 6:00 - 9:00 pm
      Rid-All Green Partnership (8129 Otter Dr, Cleveland, Ohio 44104)
 

Saturday, October 26th, Panel Discussions and Keynote Address, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
      2nd Floor BallroomTinkham Veale University Center (TVUC) (11038 Bellflower Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106)


9:00 am Welcome and Opening Remarks
      Ayesha Bell Hardaway, Director, Social Justice Institute

9:15 am Panel Discussion: "Lest We Forget: We Remember What We Cannot See"
      Moderator: , 
      Panelists:  & ,  and 

10:30 am Spoken Word: “E(Race)Sure”
      Vince Robinson, Multi-Disciplinary Artist


10:45 am Panel Discussion: "Seventy Years Later: What Brown Cannot Do"
      Moderator:
      Panelists: .,  and 


12:30 pm Luncheon Keynote Address by 

2:00 pm Spoken Word Poetry
      Raja Belle Freeman, Poet and Teaching Artist

2:15 pm Panel Discussion: "The Beautiful Struggle"
      Moderator: Ayesha Bell Hardaway
      Panelists: , ,  and