Does your learner have thoughts and opinions about things? Would you like your learner to practice sharing ideas with confidence while maintaining a respectful conversation with peers? I have created this space for learners who like to keep the conversation going outside of my Black Studies /  classes.

There are many places in African American communities where people "chop it up" or have intelligent conversation about The Big Issues Of The Day. In fact, when the U.S. enforced legal segregation,  it was common for educated people to discuss and debate real and pressing issues in Black-owned spaces and now we can do that here, together. As our world gets more complicated and everyone retreats to social media and games, our youth need to practice having real conversations in a (virtual) face-to-face environment.

This class is a space for learners to share ideas, debate solutions and ask questions. This is NOT a lecture class. Often, I start class with a brief presentation framing the discussion and then we go from there. I always ask the learners what topics/issues they are thinking about. Each Learner will speak for AT LEAST 4 minutes uninterrupted about topics.

Learners who do not like to attend classes with their camera open or those who do not like to share opinions are not a good fit. Here, learners can ask questions and talk about views, ideas and solutions to the issues that matter in moderated conversations framed by the Question of the Week or Hot Topics submitted by learners.

Due to the nature of this class, our topics are not scheduled. However, they will generally fall under the categories of politics, culture, history, current events, and information discovery. Conversations are learner based, driven by current events and learner questions/interest and thus never repeat.

Here is a sample topic:
Brown University has announced that it is reinstating its SAT score requirement. This decision is based, in part, on their belief that standardized test provide opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to shine. However, some say that standardized test are unfair because they favor the rich and certain cultures. What say you?
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/05/us/brown-university-admission-test-optional.html

>>I encourage anyone with questions to send me a note- I love to hear your thoughts and questions.<<

Each week follows the same format:
1. What's on you mind? Each learner is invited to share, ask, or discuss any topic in current events (The Culture), African American history or Black Studies.

2. This week's Black Culture Tidbit

(To follow the Outschool preferred format, here is the rhythm over four weeks:

Week One: 
1. What's on you mind? Each learner is invited to share, ask, or discuss any topic in current events (The Culture), African American history or Black Studies.

2. This week's Black Culture Tidbit

Week Two:
1. What's on you mind? Each learner is invited to share, ask, or discuss any topic in current events (The Culture), African American history or Black Studies.

2. This week's Black Culture Tidbit

Week Three:
1. What's on you mind? Each learner is invited to share, ask, or discuss any topic in current events (The Culture), African American history or Black Studies.

2. This week's Black Culture Tidbit


Week Four:
1. What's on you mind? Each learner is invited to share, ask, or discuss any topic in current events (The Culture), African American history or Black Studies.

2. This week's Black Culture Tidbit