Authors Speak: The Impact of Race on American Society

Black cultural awareness, or “wokeness,” is a state of being that many believe can be achieved. However, attaining awareness is a journey – a continuous practice, in order to gain understanding. The study and acceptance of black history and culture is an ongoing process that is decided upon and then embarked upon.

Everyone is at different points in the journey. Some are exploring it alone. Others join book clubs and study groups, and some enroll in degree programs, or pursue scholarly endeavors. Some are aware of black history and culture and its impact on our society; others are not. And still others have decided not to acknowledge the importance of other cultures at all. They seek, instead, to diminish or eliminate their very existence.Through their collaboration with The Authors Speak Series, the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, Arts Garage and Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) have decided to provide an exciting opportunity for those who are on the journey towards greater understanding. The Authors Speak Series is an opportunity to have interesting, enlightening conversations with writers who have cultivated a perspective on black cultural awareness through their research and personal experiences.

Together, the Spady Museum, Arts Garage and CRA intend to create more pathways for people to make progress toward understanding others and hopefully welcome more people to join the journey along the way.

AUTHOR BIO:

Dr. Traci Baxley is an author, professor, DEIB consultant, parenting coach, speaker, mother to five children. She is the creator of Social Justice Parenting™ and the author of Social Justice Parenting: How to Raise Compassionate, Anti-Racist, Justice-minded Kids in an Unjust World. As an educator for over 30 years, with degrees in child development, elementary education, and curriculum and instruction, she specializes in diversity and inclusion, racial identity, critical literacy, anti-bias curriculum, and social justice education.

BOOK DESCRIPTION: Social Justice Parenting

In Social Justice Parenting, Dr. Traci Baxley—a professor of education who has spent 30 years teaching diversity and inclusion—will offer the essential guidance and curriculum parents have been searching for. Dr. Baxley, a mother of five herself, suggests that parenting is a form of activism, and encourages parents to acknowledge their influence in developing compassionate, socially-conscious kids.Importantly, Dr. Baxley also guides parents to do the work of recognizing and reconciling their own biases. So often, she suggests, parents make choices based on what’s best for their children, versus what’s best for all children in their community. Dr. Baxley helps readers take inventory of their actions and beliefs, develop self-awareness and accountability, and become role models. Poised to become essential reading for all parents committed to social change, Social Justice Parenting will offer parents everywhere the opportunity to nurture a future generation of humane, compassionate individuals. Books are available in limited quantities for all attendees on the evening of the event!

Enjoy plant based bites by Chef Samuel Woods, The Rabbit Hole – Elevated Vegan Comfort Cuisine

Registering early for this FREE event will help us ensure that there is enough food available for all attendees!