|
Windows are clear, you can see right through to the other side. Is what you see true? Does it help you know another’s story? Is the view from a window enough?
|
Mirrors reflect exactly what is there. To see yourself reflected is reassurance that you exist, you matter. Is what you see in the reflection the entire story?
|
Lenses – wide angle, telephoto, microscopic - these are each tools that enhance or distort the subject. Do the lenses of our own experiences, culture and design, or the lenses we adopt, help us make sense of the world or create confusion?
|
|
Cohort 1
Blue Valley Northwest, Crossroads Preparatory Academy, Olathe East HS, Olathe NW HS, Shawnee Mission Northwest, Shawnee Mission South, & Wyandotte HS.
|
Cohort 2
Blue Valley West, Ewing Marion Kauffman School, JC Harmon, Olathe North HS, Piper HS, & Shawnee Mission East
|
Cohort 3
Blue Valley North, F.L Schlagel, Olathe West HS, Paseo Academy of Fine & Performing Arts, Shawnee Mission West, & St. Teresa's Academy.
|
|
|
Photo Courtesy of
United Talent Agency |
|
|
|
|
|
We have six exciting student breakout sessions for students to choose from. Each student will have the opportunity to join two of the six options. Students do not need to register in advance.
|
Students will opt into their preferred sessions the day of the symposium. We suggest students consider identifying four sessions of interest, as there will be attendance limits per workshop.
|
|
Kodo Nishimura is a Buddhist monk, Makeup Artist, LGBTQ Activist, and Model. Kodo graduated from the Parsons School of Design in New York. After graduating, he started to thrive as a makeup artist, working behind the scenes of Miss Universe and NY Fashion Week. In 2015, Kodo trained to be a monk and was certified by the Pure Land school. His mission is to empower all people sharing Buddhist wisdom with a touch of makeup. His book This Monk Wears Heels was released in February of 2022.
Join Kodo to explore these questions: Do you feel that you are different from other people? Do you feel that you are pressured by society? Do you feel that it is hard to express your uniqueness and follow a path that you believe in? The world needs some order for people to live harmoniously, but sometimes societal rules and expectations can suppress our potential too. You are not alone, I am here to be your cheerleader. I struggled with my sexuality and the traditional image of Buddhist monks. Kodo will share his personal experiences and also cool takeaways from Buddhist teachings about finding confidence in yourself. |
|
|
The Black Creatures expand on the expectations of pop music. The densely complex themes yet familiar undertones cultivated by members Xavier and Jade Green undermine the word “redefining.” Their deliberately designed instrumentals rival their carefully crafted lyrics – coalescing into an experience welcoming many and challenging most. Deep in these grooves there’s something for everyone and The Black Creatures aim to deliver from the Midwest to both coasts.
Join Xavier and Jade on a guided look at defining starting, finishing, and all the steps in between in music composition. Students who select this breakout will be able to engage whether this is their first foray into music or a moment between performances. |
|
Michaela Ross is a junior at the University of Missouri studying Mechanical Engineering. She has a passion to advocate for diversity in under-represented spaces by creating outlets of creative expression and education within communities. Michaela aspires to be a future writer and speaker to encourage others to share their own personal testimonies.
|
Lonnie Frazier -Model / Creative. Current Student at Howard University. Lonnie is a Race Project KC alum and has remained actively engaged with Race Project KC workshops.
|
|
Photo Courtesy Michaela Ross
|
Photo Courtesy of Lonnie Frazier
|
During the symposium, a Shared Mic Hour will be reserved for students with nationally recognized spoken word poet Edwin Bodney. Students can opt into sharing their thoughts, reflections, experiences, and ideas after being involved with Race Project KC.
|
Did you create or write something in response to a Race Project KC workshop or topic? Consider Submitting Art or Writing to be published in Race Project KC's end of year student publication. Submit here.
|
Food is an essential cultural element that binds people together, enforces a shared sense of identity, and strengthens the sense of community and belonging. Consider Sharing a Recipe that you love, to be published in Race Project KC's end of year student publication. This recipe template will be included in the symposium students boxes.
|
|
Christopher M. Span received his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2001 He is a Professor in the Department of Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership (EPOL), and Chief of Staff and Associate Chancellor for Administration and PreK-12 Initiatives at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is an historian of education who specializes in the educational history of African Americans in the 19th century. He is the author of From Cotton Field to Schoolhouse: African American Education in Mississippi, 1862-1875, co-editor of Using Past as Prologue: Contemporary Perspectives on African American Educational History, and has published numerous articles and book chapters on the educational history of African Americans.
|
|
Brittany R. Collins is an author, educator, and curriculum designer dedicated to supporting teachers’ and students’ social and emotional well-being, especially in times of adversity. Her work explores the impacts of grief, loss, and trauma in the school system, as well as how innovative pedagogies– from inquiry-based, idea-centered learning to identity development curricula– can create conditions supportive of all learners. She is the author of Learning from Loss: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Supporting Grieving Students (Heinemann 2021). Her articles have appeared in such outlets as The Washington Post, Education Week, Edutopia, We Need Diverse Books, English Journal, and Literacy & NCTE of the National Council of Teachers of English, Inside Higher Ed, Brevity blog, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Thrive Global, among other outlets.
|
|
|
|
