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A Blueprint for Belonging: Designing Cities Where Black People Can Thrive
Date: Thursday, Aug 22, 2024
Time: 4:00pm to 6:00pm EST
Union Chapel, 55 Narragansett Ave. Oak Bluffs, MA 02539
Imagine cities becoming vibrant hubs for thriving Black communities. This national forum, hosted by Boston While Black, brings together thought leaders to share innovative strategies. We'll develop a scalable "blueprint for belonging," creating inclusive and welcoming environments for Black residents.
Our forum will cover:
- The BWB Framework: A practical model for fostering connection, community, and culture to achieve belonging.
- Shifting the National Conversation: Showcasing successful solutions and inspiring stories of Black progress, using data to understand what creates welcoming environments.
- Sustainable Funding Models: Building strong partnerships across sectors and identifying sustainable funding models for lasting national change.
Plan a day trip! Check out the ferry schedule here. No reservation is needed if you’re leaving your car behind! Arrive early to The Vineyard, grab lunch at a Black-owned spot, and we’ll see you at the forum.
Mark your calendar & RSVP today
Our Speakers
Founder and CEO of Boston While Black
Sheena Collier, with 20 years of expertise in business development, growth strategy, partnership brokering, and event design, excels in social engineering. Sheena has a proven ability to build communities by placing the right people in the right spaces and motivating them to take action. As Founder and CEO of The Collier Connection and Boston While Black, she collaborates with companies to design inclusive initiatives. Recognized among Boston Magazine's 150 Most Influential Bostonians, Sheena holds a BA from Spelman College and an Ed.M. from Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Chief Equity Officer, City of Atlanta
With nearly two decades of experience across public and private sectors, including entertainment and education, Candace has driven community engagement, strategic partnerships, and measurable social impact. Her work with organizations like Island Def Jam Music Group, New Profit, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and United Way, alongside contributions to educational institutions such as the University of Georgia, highlights her ability to implement impactful projects. Candace is dedicated to fostering corporate social responsibility, community empowerment, and equity-focused solutions.
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Senior Fellow, Brookings Metro
Andre Perry is a Senior Fellow at Brookings Metro and a respected commentator on race, structural inequality, and education. He is the author of “Know Your Price: Valuing Black Lives and Property in America’s Black Cities” and regularly contributes to national media outlets such as MSNBC, The New York Times, and CNN. Perry’s research focuses on economic inclusion and has analyzed valuable assets in Black-majority cities, advocating for increased investment.
CEO Jodie AI
Doug Melville is a leading voice in DEI with over a decade of experience, including his role as the global head of diversity and inclusion at Richemont in Geneva. He has advised major clients like Apple, Amazon, and PepsiCo on inclusive ad campaigns and communication strategies. Melville is also an author and lecturer, sharing his expertise on DEI and reputation management at institutions like Stanford and Georgetown University.
Immerse Yourself:
Why Martha's Vineyard?
- Historical Significance: Martha's Vineyard, particularly Oak Bluffs, holds a rich history as a vacation destination for Black families. During the segregation era, Oak Bluffs was one of the few places where Black people could vacation freely, fostering a thriving Black community and imparting significant cultural value to many Black families.
- Cultural Experience: The island is a vibrant hub for various cultural events, festivals, and gatherings that celebrate Black culture and history. These events include film festivals, book fairs, and art exhibitions that highlight the work of Black artists and creators - now experiences hosted by BWB.
- Building Traditions: Just as our annual BWB Family Reunion event is cherished, we aim to establish a new tradition on the Vineyard, creating an invaluable experience and a lasting BWB legacy.
Join us for an unforgettable summer of connection, inspiration, and belonging!