Activism and Social Justice Movements Across the Globe- Lecture by Chadra Pittman at Christopher Newport University

From my years at the African Burial Ground National Monument to my organizations, The Sankofa Projects and 4 E.V.E.R., my work has been rooted in "giving voice" to untold stories, excavating history, acknowledging the pioneers and freedom fighters who paved the way, advocating for social injustices and honoring our Ancestors through Sankofa's Annual ceremony of Remembrance at Buckroe Beach. www.thesankofaprojects.blogspot.com

Education, Activism, Community Engagement and Social Justice are the cornerstsones of my orgznizations and life's work. Through our programs, we challenge hegemony and strive to eradicate oppression in all it's forms. I was invited to give a lecture at Christopher Newport University for a Feminist class being taught by Dr. Danielle Stern; I was thrilled to do so as I am always excited to engage with students.

In the spirit of Sankofa, which teaches us to reach back and fetch it, I took the class on a journey through time. We visited critical moments in history which have shaped the lives and laws of this land. We explored ageism, sexism, homophobia, racism, heterosexism, classism, misogyny, patriarchy, ableism and I challenged the relevance and lack thereof of these "cultural norms." I spoke of the necessity of intersectionality and the importance of acknowleding our shared humanity. We explored the ways women and some men fight for social justice. In this current political climate which seems to embrace, coddle and excuse rampant xenophobia, we moved beyond the borders of the United States and investigated how and if culture shapes the lives and work of international activists. We explored the various forms of oppression and how "othering", patriarchy and privilege contribute to a feminism which is racist and exclusionary. We uncovered common threads in our humanity that bind us to one another in our collective pursuit of justice while acknowledging the battles won and risks associated with being an activist. It is imperative that I introduce these students to the names and faces of scholars, activists and game changers who often are invisible in mainstream educational systems like Audre Lorde and others who paved the way.

It was an absolute joy to meet this dynamic group of budding scholars who were engaged, outspoken and excited about their roles in this world and our collective future. I am so grateful that in a political climate and world which seems crazed, unjust and xenophobic that these students have professors like Dr. Stern who are courageous enough to tackle difficult conversations and are willing to work towards understanding. When the lecture ended, I spoke with many students about their class projects and they shared their dreams for their futures. I left feeling inspired by these students and parted from them sharing one of my favorite quotes by Sir James Baldwin, "The world is before you and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came in." I want the youth to always know they can make a difference in this world. Thank you again my friend... for inviting me to your class and for providing this space for me to share this work that I am engaged in with this next generation. I am optimistic that they will take this world by storm, do great things and leave the world better than they inherited it! Hopeful...and grateful...sincere thanks Danielle!!! ☮🕉👊🏾👊🏾♀️🌈🖤🌏

#Educator #Anthropologist #SocialJusticeWarriorsUnite #JamesBaldwin #AudreLorde #IntersectionalFeminism #TheSankofaProjects #4EVER #Humanity