The Power of Black Stories

Feb
6:00pm
The Power of Black Stories

By Capital B
Join Capital B for a series of conversations focused on the importance of authentically centering Black narratives. From policy, to health and entertainment we’ll unpack the ways in which Black stories can ignite real change and manifest opportunities.
This event is sponsored by 📷
February 24, 2022: The Importance of Black Narratives: In day one of this multi day event, we’ll explore the ways in which sharing Black stories can ignite real change: from BLM to housing policy, vaccine hesitancy, and more.
WELCOME | 1:0O P.M. ET
Lauren Williams, CEO and Co-founder Capital B
PANEL | 1:05 P.M. ET
When the World Bears Witness
Over the last 10 years, video evidence of police brutality has brought the visceral reality of many Black communities to the mainstream, sparking protests, fueling Black Lives Matter and other movements, and becoming a foundational American political conversation. In the aftermath, the families left behind must deal with what it means for a video of the worst moment of their lives to become a call for change.
Shareeduh McGee Tate, cousin of George Floyd
Gwendolyn Carr, mother of Eric Garner
Moderator: Christina Carrega, Criminal Justice Reporter, Capital B
ONE-ON-ONE | 1:35 P.M. ET
Reflections On Black Narratives In Organizing
Hear from a BLM co founder about the work the organization did to center Black families stories in movement work and the impact that had, the good and the bad.
Alicia Garza, author, Co-founder of Black Lives Matter and Black Futures Lab
Moderator: Simone Sebastian, Editorial Director, Capital B
STORYTELLING BREAK | 1:55 P.M. ET
In My Own Words
Yusef Salaam, Member of Exonerated Five
PANEL | 2:00 P.M. ET
Centering Black People in the Climate Conversation
The effects of climate change are disproportionately impacting communities of color—and yet Black people are rarely centered in these narratives. Join Capital B as we talk to residents suffering first hand from climate change and the experts and advocates trying to help share their stories.
Tamara Toles O’Laughlin, CEO and President at Environmental Grantmakers Association
Dr. Dominic J. Bednar, Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow at Arizona State University
Heather McTeer Toney, Vice President of Community Engagement at Environmental Defense Fund and National Field Director for Moms Clean Air Force
Moderator: Adam Mahoney, Environmental Reporter, Grist
PANEL | 2:30 P.M. ET
Addressing The Eviction Crisis In Black Communities
With the end of eviction moratoriums and a significant decrease in rental assistance funds, the affordable housing crisis is only getting worse. We’ll talk to tenants who face eviction given changing laws, political representatives whose constituents are at risk, and housing rights experts and advocates trying to shine a light on the stories of Black communities.
Janahya Sugick, Atlanta Resident
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley
Sandra Park, Attorney at ACLU Women’s Rights Project
Moderator: Brentin Mock, Staff Writer at CityLab
PANEL | 3:00 P.M. ET
Community Health In the Age of Covid
Since the beginning of the pandemic, COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on Black communities. Battling mistrust in the healthcare system, residents and community organizations are taking matters into their own hands. Join Capital B for a conversation about how listening to and respecting Black communities can help move the needle.
Aliyya Swaby, ProPublica South children and families reporter
Dorothy Oliver, Alabama Resident
Dr. Giselle Corbie-Smith, Director of the UNC Center for Health Equity Research
Moderator: Margo Snipe, National Health Reporter, Capital B
CLOSING | 3:30 P.M. ET
Lauren Williams, CEO and Co-founder, Capital B
February 25, 2022: Bringing Black Stories to the Masses: In day 2 of this multi day event, we’ll talk to the people who are centering Blackness and Black storytelling in the mainstream: from journalists, to writers, to the entertainment business, there’s power in reflecting the lived experiences of Black people.
WELCOME | 1 P.M. ET
Akoto Ofori-Atta, Co-founder and Chief Audience Officer, Capital B
ONE-ON-ONE | 1:05 PM. ET
The Fight To Tell Black Stories
Kevin Merida, Executive Editor, The Los Angeles Times
Moderator: Gillian White, Senior Vice President of Revenue & Programming, Capital B
ONE-ON-ONE | 1:25 PM. ET
The Big Interview: Creating Your Own Lane
Tyler Perry, actor, director, producer and screenwriter
Moderator: Gavin Godfrey, Atlanta Editor, Capital B
ONE-ON-ONE | 1:45 PM. ET
Centering Black Stories in Journalism
Erinn Haines, Editor-at-Large at The 19th News
Moderator: Akoto Ofori-Atta, Co-founder and Chief Audience Officer, Capital B
ONE-ON-ONE | 2:05 PM. ET
Sister Storytellers
Tia Williams, Bestselling author of “Seven Days in June”
Moderator: Lauren Williams, CEO and Co-founder, Capital B
ONE-ON-ONE | 2:25 PM. ET
Stories from the South Side
Diallo Riddle, actor, writer, producer and co-creator of HBO Max’s South Side
Moderator: Morgan Johnson, Co-founder of The TRiiBE
ONE-ON-ONE | 2:45 P.M. ET
Black History, American History
Moderator: Glory Edim, Creator of Well-Read Black GirlClint Smith III, author and staff writer at The Atlantic
CLOSING REMARKS | 3:05 P.M. ET
Akoto Ofori-Atta, Co-founder and Chief Audience Officer
hosted by
Capital B