Rather than come and sit down in an intimidating group of judges, we used it as an opportunity for Black Parent Leaders to connect and to fully come in contact with Black Wisdom and love.

Thanks to all the Black parents who participated and we look forward to keeping you updated on the Dreamship Fellowship.

Check out some of the highlights!

#BlackExcellence#BlackPower #BlackParents #BlackMommas #BlackDads

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We’re excited to see what they dream and build! Stay tuned to learn more!

The 2024 Dreamship Fellows are:

Aisha Caruth (Durham County)

Aisha Williams (Wake County)

Alana Smith (Durham County)

Brittiany Jenkins (Forsyth County)

Camille Brown-Lowery (Durham County)

Cassey Mapp-Ahmed (Guilford County)

Charryse Frederick-Omari (Durham County)

Constance Carter (Guilford County)

Crystal Ingram (Durham County)

Damon Walker (Durham County)

Elsie Duronville (Durham County)

Hannah Steer (Alamance County)

Kamweli Wilson (Durham County)

Phyllis Joyner (Durham County)

Ruben Watson (Alamance County)

Shala Perla (Durham County)

Tamette Farrington (Durham County)

Tiffany Corey (New Hanover County)

Tony Mellon (Alamance County)

Victoria Scott-Miller (Wake County)

#TheDreamship #BlackParents #BlackExcellence #NCParents #NorthCarolinaParents

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As we honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, let’s reflect on how far we’ve come and recognize that the journey is not over. Teaching our children how to enact change through social justice is one of Village of Wisdom’s core Black Genius Elements. It’s also a reflection of Dr. King’s tireless dedication to equality in and out of the classroom.

If you’re a Black parent hoping to create a better educational environment for your child, check out our latest resources on Black parent empowerment at villageofwisdom.org

#MLKDay#VillageofWisdom

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The day was filled with dreams, joy, and community. One parent’s words captured it: “This experience is letting me breathe and showing me how to rest.” Their words are a powerful reminder of why the Dreamship exists–to draw from the limitless love and imagination already in our people and communities.

As we move forward, we’re reminded of our community’s wealth. We are what we need. And together, we create spaces where dreaming, learning, and affirmation thrive.

Thanks to all the Black parents who participated! Stay tuned for more updates on the Dreamship Fellowship. 

#BlackExcellence #BlackPower #BlackParents #DreamshipFellowship

The post Dreamship Interview Day–A Celebration of Parent Wisdom  appeared first on Village of Wisdom.

Artwork by Dr. Dawn X. Henderson

Here we do our best to give you a glimpse of the Black Genius who is Joy Spencer.

As it was told by someone who loves her: Joy was born into activism. Standing on her mother’s shoulders, who founded a nonprofit organization to advocate for her children, Joy is involved with several organizations, efforts, and initiatives that empower the Black community through direct service, relationship building, education, and advocacy. 

She is driven by passion and an avid supporter of authentic community engagement and community-based solutions. She serves the community as the Executive Director of Equity Before Birth, a Black maternal health charity organization.

Why don’t you check out a clip we pulled from one of our many sessions during the Dream Assessment process to get a feel for the energy Joy brings to a room?

Joy on Village of Wisdom’s Black parent research experience.

We asked Joy why Black Genius Protection is so important to her and what makes her a Black Genius protector. Joy explains, 

“Our lives and the quality of our lives depend on our ability to embrace our Black Genius. Unapologetic displays of Black Genius threaten white supremacy, thus threatening the fabric of our nation. We must protect Black Genuis because its mere existence threatens the way the world operates. Black Genius is Powerful. We must harness this Power for our Liberation. I am a Black Genius Protector because our legacy and the lives of future generations depend on it.”

We leave you with a quote Joy shared with us to affirm our collective Black Genius.

“There will be people who do not believe in you…don’t you dare be one of them.” — Stephanie Lahart

The post Community Outreach Guru—A Black Genius profile of Joy Spencer appeared first on Village of Wisdom.

Dear Black Genius,

It is with my whole heart that I welcome you Black to school. Behind you is the chaos of school closures, zoom burnout and social isolation from clubs, sports teams, and friends. 

You proved you could learn in ways most adults thought impossible. You showed up in class with your pajamas, headwraps and hoodies, art-walls, music and your whole village beside you.

The best teaching this year has been modeled in your homes, in your neighborhoods, and in protest marches all across America. You and millions of other Black Geniuses have made history and changed the future of learning. 

More than learning, you’ve been teaching us all. It’s a no-brainer that you aced the most basic lesson of our lifetime: Black Lives Matter.

On your first day back in person, Village of Wisdom wants to remind you of all the genius we see when we see you. We invite you to watch this two-and-a-half-minute Dear Black Genius film short made just for you by an entire village of Black Genius Protectors. We got you!

In Love & Liberation,

Aya Shabu (she/her/hers)

Curator of Culturally Organizing Our Liberation

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