Opening Plenary: The Power of Place: Harnessing Power from the Past & Pr...

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Across the country communities are impacted by the triple pandemics of the current health crisis, the economic down-turn and racism, specifically the history of structural racism and current acts of violence committed against black people. All together these challenges have served to deepen already existing fractures, while also expanding barriers to opportunity for our country’s most vulnerable young adults. However, communities have a long history of organizing and harnessing power to address similar challenges. This plenary will bring together current national leaders with deep experience and expertise in place, including Geoffrey Canada, president of Harlem Children’s Zone; Janet Murguía , president and CEO of UnidosUS; and Kimberly Teehee, the delegate-designate to the US House of Representatives from the Cherokee Nation, to discuss the history of community power building. These leaders will explore the power of place, including the importance of harnessing community power that centers the most vulnerable community members, including young adults and families. They will share insights related to how communities are building on this power to sustain progress, drive momentum and prepare for deepened impact in the years ahead. 

Opening Performance & Dialogue Anna Deavere Smith, Notes from the Field Playwright, actor and educator Anna Deavere Smith will perform an excerpt from her play Notes from the Field, which looks at the School-to-Prison Pipeline and injustice and inequality in low-income communities. Following the performance, Anna will engage in a brief dialogue with Melody Barnes, Chair of the Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions in connection with her performance and race, social justice, the social contract and mass incarceration.