NKU partners with National Geographic to host symposium on African American Geography and History

September 16, 2024 - Northern Kentucky University is partnering with National Geographic to host an African American Geography and History centered symposium for high school youth.

NKU’s Black Studies Department, Black and Brown Educators of Excellence, the College of Education and National Geographic will host the two-day symposium. The conference will focus on place-based storytelling and history, and the black freedom struggle. Hosted by Local 12 News Anchor, Aleah Hordges, the conference will feature five speakers and four keynote speakers including Principal of Cincinnati Public Schools, Dr. Kimberly Mack; Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Actor, Karyn Parsons; Kristi Williams from the National Geographic Society and NKU Professor Dr. David Childs.

What: The Power of Our Story: A Symposium About Place-Based Storytelling and History, and the Black Freedom Struggle

When: Friday, September 20 to Saturday, September 21

from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where: NKU University Center

Dr. David Childs is the Cincinnati Lead of 2892 Miles to Go, a social justice geo-inquiry program supported by the National Geographic Society, that amplifies community stories told by people most often left out of the common narratives of human history and culture. 2892 provides opportunities for youth storytellers to collaborate with local leaders, educators, advocates and change-makers to reclaim community histories and stories together. The program aims to contribute to the creation of more informed, empathetic and united communities. For more information on 2892 Miles to Go, visit 2892walk.org.

Additional symposium speakers will include NKU’s Dr. Eric Jackson, CPS’s Craig Rush, Northwest Local School’s Alundra Childs, NKU grad student Jennifer Williams and National Geographic’s Ashley Lamb-Sinclair.