Ethnic Studies as an Antidote to Anti-Blackness in Education

About this Event

In honor of Black History Month, please join the Ethnic Studies Education Pathways Project (ESEPP) on Monday, February 7, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. (PST) for "Ethnic Studies as an Antidote to Anti-Blackness in Education," a discussion between nationally renowned educators, Akiea "Ki" Gross (they/them) of Woke Kindergarten and Dr. David Stovall (he/him) of University of Illinois, Chicago.

Akiea "Ki" Gross (they/them), a former instructional coach and classroom teacher, is an abolitionist early educator, creator and cultural organizer currently innovating ways to resist, heal, liberate and create with their pedagogy, Woke Kindergarten. Woke Kindergarten is a visionary, creative portal and abolitionist early learning ecosystem supporting children, families, educators and organizations in their commitment to abolitionist early education and pro-Black and LGBTQIA+ liberation.

David Stovall, Ph.D. (he/him) is Professor of Black Studies and Criminology, Law & Justice at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In the attempt to bring theory to action, he works with community organizations and schools to address issues of equity, justice and abolishing the school/prison nexus. He previously taught at the Greater Lawndale/Little Village School for Social Justice, is an organizer with Peoples Education Movement, serves as a board member of the Abolitionist Teaching Network, and is author of Born Out of Struggle: Critical Race Theory, School Creation, and the Politics of Interruption.

The ESEPP is a DEIG-funded initiative that partners CSUN students with practitioners in the field to cultivate Ethnic Studies approaches to K–CC education careers in teaching, counseling, and social work. "Ethnic Studies as an Antidote" is the first of three ESEPP-sponsored community learning opportunities in Spring 2022.

Communication Services

ASL interpretation will be provided.