Description: In a world where the concept of “race” continues to permeate our societies and shape our perceptions, the need for a radical shift in our approach to combating racism has never been more evident. The “Abolishing Racism: Creating a Future without Race” conference is a groundbreaking event that brings together a diverse range of speakers, scholars, artists, and activists who advocate for racial eliminativism — the bold belief that to truly end racism, we must dismantle the very notion of “race” itself.
Objective: Our objective is to revolutionize how we view racism and antiracism by exploring racial eliminativism—the idea that removing our belief in “race” and practice of racialization—assigning “race” to the human species—from our sociocultural framework is crucial for real, lasting change. We aim to tackle racism at its core, envisioning a world where everyone is respected equally.
Key Themes:
Undoing Racial Boundaries: Discover the history and impact of “race” and why it’s time to dismantle this concept.
Real-World Racial Eliminativism: Learn about practical efforts and strategies for building a community that transcends racial divisions.
Artistic Voices for Change: Experience how art can disrupt racism, encourage inclusion, and imagine a world without boundaries caused by racism.
Conference Schedule
9:15-9:30
Opening Remarks: Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi, Bahá’í Chair for World Peace, University of Maryland
9:30-10:45
Morning Keynote: Dr. Joseph Graves, North Carolina A&T State University
10:45 - 11:00
Coffee Break
11:00 - 12:30
Panel One: Philosophy/Theology/Science
Dr. Jacoby Carter, Howard University
Rev. Dr. Starlette Thomas, Good Faith Media
Dr. Tade Souaiaia, SUNY Downstate
12:30 - 1:00
Lunch
1:00 - 2:00
Afternoon Keynote: Dr. Sheena Mason, SUNY Oneonta
2:00 - 2:15
Coffee Break
2:15 - 4:00
Panel Session Two: Art/Music/Humanities
Ms. Angélica Daas, Humanæ Project
Dr. Anika Prather, The Catholic University of America
Mr Greg Thomas, Jazz Leadership Project
Dr Carlos Hoyt, PhD, LICSW, Psychotherapy |Diversity Equity & Inclusion |Educational Consultant
4:00-4:30
Wrap-Up roundtable Session
Conference Speakers
This event is co-sponsored by:
