Fatherhood is driving a hugely diverse conversation.

Heather Mac Donald

Heather Mac Donald is the Thomas W. Smith Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor of City Journal. She is a recipient of the 2005 Bradley Prize. Mac Donald’s work at City Journal has covered a range of topics, including higher education, immigration, policing, homelessness and homeless advocacy, criminal-justice reform, and race relations. Her writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The New Republic, and The New Criterion. Mac Donald's newest book, The War on Cops (2016), warns that raced-based attacks on the criminal-justice system, from the White House on down, are eroding the authority of law and putting lives at risk.

https://www.city-journal.org/contributor/heather-mac-donald_122

Friday, May 8th, 7pm

Lisa (Lisa Lee) Counts

Queen of Hip Hop

Member of Zulu Nation, Soul Sonic Force & US Girls

"History of Girls in Hip-Hop"

Lisa Lee Counts, better known as Zulu Queen Lisa Lee is a founding

member of the Zulu Nation. In addition to being a founding member of

the SoulSonic Force and Cosmic Force, Zulu Queen Lisa Lee was also

featured in the seminal hip-hop films "Beat Street" and "Wild Style."

Zulu Queen Lisa Lee currently resides in Virginia. Topics include:

comparing New York hip-hop with Virginia hip-hop; women in hip-hop;

contemporary hip-hop.

Thursday, May 7th, 7pm

Dr. Jawanza Kunjunfu

"Raising Black Girls"

Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu is an educational consultant with African American

Images. He is constantly on the lecture circuit with over 30 different

workshops, addressing students, parents, teachers, churches and

community residents. He is he author of more than 37 books, to include

“Conspiracy to Destroy Black Boys,” “Hip Hop Street Curriculum:

Keeping It Real,” The Black College Survival Guide; just to name a

few.

Wednesday, May 6th, 7pm

Cassandra Mack

CEO of Strategies for Empowered Living

"Girl Power: What Makes a Black Girl Rock?"

Cassandra Mack, MSW is the founder and President of Strategies for

Empowered Living Inc. a New York based personal development company

that offers educational workshops, coaching programs, consultation

services and products designed to help people succeed in life and

grow.

April 20th, 2015; 7pm

Princess Best

Founder, Princess Best Speaks & R.O.Y.A.L. Voices

Topic: Intergenerational Conversations about Girls

Princess Best is a multi-faceted artist who has dedicated her many

talents to advocating for the enhancement leadership, health and

communication of young girls and women, She is the founder of Princess

Best Speaks (PBS) and R.O.Y.A.L. Voices (Readying Our Young Aspiring

Leaders.  Best's platform and programming focus on expanding the

leadership capacity of the feminine voice of color through hip-hop

theater, storytelling and public speaking.

Her highly engaging presentations speak to the physical, mental and

spiritual wellness of women and girls.  Her interactive techniques

cultivate an environment and spirit of sisterhood that ignites

cross-generational and cross-cultural dialogue.

Toni Blackman

CEO & Founder at Rhyme like a Girl and artist/writer/educator

Topic: "Hip Hop and Today's Girls"

Toni is an international champion of hip-hop culture. An award-winning

artist, her steadfast work and commitment to hip-hop led the U.S.

Department of State to select her to work as the first ever hip-hop

artist to work as an American Cultural Specialist.

This multi-talented woman has been listed in ESSENCE Magazine’s

listing of “30 Women to Watch.”

April 6th, 7pm

Rachel Vassel; Author

"Daughters of Men: The Importance of Fatherhood and Girls"

Rachel Vassel is the author of the award-winning book "Daughters of Men: Portraits of African American Women and their Fathers," a moving collection of beautiful photographs and inspirational essays about the role fathers play in the lives of successful Black women.

From Beyonce Knowles to Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice, Leah Ward Sears, many African American women attribute much of their success to a positive father figure. 

Join Us for this Enlighten and Inspirational Conversation

Monday, March 30th, 7pm

Meshelle "Indie Mom of Comedy”

Comedienne/Award Winning Playwright/Author/

"When Love Hurts: Making Your Pain Your Foot Stool"

Often times we find ourselves in situations where love hurts. It

paralyzes us into believing that a better life can't be obtained. Our

girls love and they love hard. Understanding how to overcome hurt is

important for their self-esteem. Join us for this critical discussion.

Special Guest: Nisa Muhammad

Co-founder of Black Marriage Day and CEO of Wedded Bliss Foundation 

Is A Knight in Shining Amour and a fairy tale wedding still a realistic goal for our daughters? This show will address love, dating and marriage for our girls. Nisa's organization helps teens, singles and couples develop healthy relationships and healthy marriages to improve their lives, better the outcomes for children and create stronger communities.

Dr. Jeff Gardere is America’s Psychologist

Dr. Jeff is one of the most widely sought-after experts in the field of mental health. In addition to having a private practice in Manhattan, he has garnered a reputation as being a top motivational and keynote speaker, empowerment and media coach.

He was also an instrumental voice in Fathers Incorporated's documentary "Spitin Anger"