ART WORKSHOP: An Exploration of the Art of Peace.

Gerald is a teaching artist born and raised in Bridgeport. Gerald’s workshop will utilize an interactive sculpture called the Game which is powered by play as a way accessing the creative design process.

Lisa James-Owens "Angel" will be joining this session with a discussion of her own Art Journey and evolution in art through life experience, family and God.

READING WORKSHOP: Storytime & Crafts

Join local bookstore owner Nikkia Hargrove of Obodo Serendipity Books (Paradise Green) for a special reading of Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The workshop will wrap up with a fun cookie-making activity inspired by the story.

FILM SCREENING: Egress

Originally from Barbados, Sean is an award winning filmmaker, producer, writer and entrepreneur.

Join Sean as we screen his short film - Egress.

The screening will follow with a conversation on how our prejudices affect our daily decisions and how we can explore more empathy in our communication and relationships.

WRITING/POETRY WORKSHOP: Words on Fire

Written and spoken word are vital to history and tradition. We tell our stories (and retell them) so we are not forgotten. Words on Fire is a ‘pencils down, microphone way up’ interactive workshop with performance poet Elizabeth Thomas. Participants will create new writing to be shared out loud within the group…and beyond. Be prepared to be amazing! Brought to you by Stratford Library.

MASTER STORYTELLER

Laconia Therrio loves stories, particular those from around the world. Stories remind the listener of what they have in common with others, especially those different from the listener. The words or phrases create images in the mind and spirit of the listener, so much so that what truly matters is the story. And when the story is over, the person has been transported to another realm.

Stories matter. They touch the heart, mind and spirit of the listener. All the teller does is share the story, but the relationship between the teller and the listener is sacred.

A native New Orleanian, Laconia is a professional storyteller and also serves as a hospital chaplain.

GROUP DISCUSSION ON LITERACY: Right to Read

Learn about the Right to Read Initiative supported by the NAACP. Join local students from Bunnell and Stratford High as they share information on the science of e-reading instruction and the role it plays in insuring that all children learn to read. This is an interactive discussion.

MUSEUM SHOWCASE
Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History and The African American Collections, Inc.

The Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum has been operating for 3 years where schools, universities and the corporate sectors utilize the museum to open dialogues around sensitive subjects as culture, race and stereotypes.

Jeffrey will be displaying and discussing a few of his museum’s pieces at our program.

WELCOME/INTRODUCTIONS

Harvard-Educated Attorney Donald Smart has facilitated conversations on “Deconstructing Critical Race Theory” and beyond. This will be Donald’s fourth year championing our MLK Day event.