Spark Change For Justice: A Webinar Series

Tues. September 29, 10AM EST | WATCH HERE

COVID-19 has laid bare the deep racial injustice that has long existed in our city and nation. The disproportionate impacts of the pandemic on communities of color have made one thing clear: political representation matters more than ever in moments of crisis. Join us for a conversation with Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8) and CNN and MSNBC Political Commentator Aisha C. Mills on the 2020 election, Black political leadership, and how we can achieve long-term structural change. 

Wed. October 14, 12:30PM EST | WATCH HERE

Join us for a discussion on how we can use the principles and practices of restorative justice to create racially just schools that care for, develop, and respect every student in the classroom despite the challenges of remote learning. The conversation will center lessons learned from the Brooklyn Restorative Justice Project—a four-year initiative led by Brooklyn Community Foundation in partnership with the NYC Department of Education (NYC DOE), the Mayor’s Leadership Team on School Climate and Discipline, and a small cohort of Brooklyn middle and high schools, to develop a sustainable and effective model for school discipline reform and to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline.

This panel discussion includes Brooklyn Restorative Justice Project Evaluator Dr. Anne Gregory (Rutgers University), Kenyatte Reid (NYC DOE Executive Director, Office of Safety and Youth Development), Ashley Ellis (Co-Founder of Breathe Circles and former Restorative Justice Director at the School for Democracy and Leadership), and Anthony Soto (graduate of the School for Democracy and Leadership). 

Thurs. November 5, 12:30PM EST

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” — Audre Lorde

This year has been especially difficult for many—and we believe it’s important to prioritize your mental and physical well-being. We are proud to offer community members an opportunity for a moment of tranquility and self-care in the form of a complimentary virtual wellness session in partnership with MINKA, a Brooklyn-based and community-led wellness center. Please Note: This webinar will not be recorded.

Mon. November 16, 2PM EST | WATCH HERE

The relationship between philanthropy and social change is often charged, with inherently contradictory dynamics: wealthy, powerful institutions funding movements led by grassroots organizations. Recognizing this imbalance is not enough: philanthropic organizations must build their work around the ethos of solidarity, rather than charity.

Join us for this discussion with Abigail E. Disney, philanthropist and social activist, and Edgar Villanueva, author of Decolonizing Wealth.  

Tues. December 8, 2:30PM EST | WATCH HERE

Join us for a discussion on the intersection of racial, social, and gender justice, centering the experience of Black cisgender and transgender women, girls, and gender expansive youth. Guest speakers Dr. Monique W. Morris, award-winning author and social justice scholar, and Joanne N. Smith, founding President and CEO of Foundation grantee Girls for Gender Equity (GGE), will discuss the impacts of misogynoir on the ongoing fight to achieve gender justice, equity, and liberation for Black women.

The #SayHerName campaign, launched by the African American Policy Forum (AAPF) and Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies (CISPS), brings awareness to the often invisible names and stories of Black women and girls who have been victimized by racist police violence, and provides support to their families.