Guest Lecturer on Social Justice at Hampton Diversity College - July 12, 2018

"Creating safe spaces where the community can meet across our differences, exchange ideas and turn ideas into action, where the voices of the vulnerable and marginalized can be heard and are valued, where equity is the aim and privilege is examined and the intersections of what makes us human are explored is central to the work of my two organizations, The Sankofa Projects and 4 E.V.E.R. (End Violence End Rape in the 4 Directions of the Earth). The overarching theme of my life's work is rooted in social justice, working to obliterate all forms of oppression, and educating on the importance and necessity of acknowledging our shared humanity." ~ Chadra Pittman Walke

I was invited by Lateisha Handie, Executive Director of the Citizens' Unity Commission to present a lecture on Social Justice, Equity and Equality and I was thrilled to do so. I explored Racism, Sexism, Homophobia, Heterosexism, Ableism, Ageism, Transphobia, Equality vs Equity and reinforced the need for Intersectionality incorporating the works of Ancestors Audre Lorde and James Baldwin into the discussion while confronting and examining privilege.

Image below is from our interview on Round Robin with Robin McCormick of Channel 47 and her staff. Thrilled to partner with these powerful women who are working for social justice and the men behind the scenes on the shoot for this day.

The room was filled with a diverse group of people who were interested in learning about social justice, how vital it is to think broadly and beyond our privilege and being cognizant of what happens when social justice is absent. We must create inclusive, welcoming environments where we all have a seat at the table, where we all have a voice and where we all have the ability to succeed.

Thrilled for The Sankofa Projects and 4 E.V.E.R to have partnered with the Citizens' Unity Commission on this initiative and look forward to doing more together in the future. Programs like this, which are rooted in education, building awareness across the Hampton Roads communities and affecting change, make it easy to see why you should #ChooseHampton. If you are interested in enrolling in Hampton Diversity College, contact Ms. Handie at 757-727-6899 or latiesha.handie@hampton.gov

Reflections on July 4th and the Breasts that Fed Nation

On July 4th, I REMEMBER this woman, this Queen Mother! I think about her and all the other African women and how unbearable it must've been to be forced to bare their breasts and feed the children of those who were enslaving them; to give her milk while her own child lay hungry. I think about how much Africans sacrificed for this land we call America. She and the countless of other Africans who were enslaved on this day in 1776, I REMEMBER them! These are my beloved Ancestors. I would ask the next time you frown upon someone who chooses not to stand for the Pledge or sing the National Anthem and accuse them of being non patriotic---remember her. Her breasts FED this nation. She and those who like her were prohibited by law to drink from "White Only" water fountains yet white infants children could suckle on these black breasts? The irony of it all!!! I ask you, what is MORE patriotic than feeding the Nation? America gained its independence yet not everyone was free. Africans would remain enslaved for another 89 years after America gained her freedom and still, questioning this notion if freedom in a land that has historically condemned Blackness and otherness. As HUMANS, if we ever hope to move forward toward, and attempt to heal from the horrors of this past--we MUST engage in honest conversations about THE TRUTH, the horror which was imposed on our fellow humans, the decimation and genocide of Native First Nations people, the trade of millions of African beings, the millions of lives lost in the Middle Passage, the misogyny and disrespect and rape of women, the racism, sexism, the disregard for GNC folk, the abuse of children, the neglect of the homeless and the elderly. We, HUMANS, have a shared history yet we must acknowledge that our experiences to this land are as vast as the ocean. I am not obliged to celebrate the 4th of July, stand for the pledge nor sing the anthem. My experience to these supposed "national treasures" is different than others and to disregard the difference speaks to your denial of my individual experiences and history. I believe we can move forward towards recognizing our shared humanity but you must see me; the painful parts and the beautiful parts. You must have the courage to face the past and it's crimes against humanity. I'm willing to try...are you? #TheSANKOFAProjects #REMEMBRANCE PPeace always, Chadra For more info on Sankofa, visit www.thesankofaprojects.blogspot.com