In honor of Juneteenth 2021, The Village Demands Statewide Coalition on Black American Affairs hosted a live webinar to recognize the sacrifices our ancestors made in the fight for liberation.

Featured Presenters:

Dr. Starla Lewis

Dr. Starla Lewis is a Global Educator of Self Love. She teaches people how to see themselves, love themselves and use love to address life issues. As a Professor Emeritus, transformational speaker and the founder of C.E.L.L. (Celebration of Everlasting Life & Love) consulting, she lectures and facilitates trainings on life mastery, diversity, racism, sexism, and women’s empowerment. Starla’s 40+ years of research and experience in African American Studies, Oral Communication and Women’s Studies have enhanced her ability to engage diverse communities and inspire people to transform their lives. She is the author and illustrator of Sunkisses, a multicultural/multilingual coloring book for children and adults, and the Co-Author of “I Am: My Own Self-Validation”. Starla Lewis is a seven-time recipient of the Mesa College Teacher of the Year Award, a 2015 Women’s Hall of Fame honoree, and was recognized by KPBS as a local hero. In 2019 the San Diego City Council proclaimed December 20th as “Professor Starla Lewis Day”. She has dedicated her life to teaching people love and life skills. Through her work she affirms that all people are: “Brilliant, Powerful, Limitless, Love!” 

Get in touch with Starla Lewis by visiting her website: https://lovestarlalewis.square.site/

Ms. Jilchristina Vet

Proud West Oakland homeowner since 2000, originally from Chicago and resident of The Bay since 1986, Jilchristina Vest holds BAs in Black Studies, Women’s Studies, and an MA in Multicultural Education from San Francisco State FSU and University of San Francisco.  Pre COVID Jil was touring the world on an amazing production team working with amazing artists. Now, she is home in Oakland focused on creating a one-of-a-kind mural honoring Oakland history and the legacy of The Black Panther Party and the women who ran it. Jil is a Justice Warrior, a Fierce Activist, and a Kindness Queen. #lookuptoblackwomen

Get in touch with Jilchristina by visiting her website: https://westoaklandmuralproject.org/

Mr. Landon Smith, English Professor, Chabot College

Landon Smith (he/him) is a professor, a poet, a painter, half Mende and half Balanta & Fulani, that feeling of falling that wakes you up in a dream, the amethyst stone on your desk, Angela Davis’ afro, Fanon’s pocket notebook, the 7-10 bowling split, your favorite pillow.  The kind of poetry he does is very much an abrupt snapshot journey of history, reimagining, and revolutionary honesty. The piece he will present plays with time, history, and lineage.

Ms. Orey Johnson, English Professor, Chabot College

Orey Johnson is a professor, painter, and potter, and loves alliteration. She also loves decolonizing the higher education landscape by implementing inclusive pedagogy that unapologetically centers marginalized and underrepresented communities. She strives to make her teaching and curriculum practices the standard, rather than the anomaly.

Ms. LaKisha Bradley, Interim Dean of Student Services, Monterey Peninsula College

Ms. LaKisha Bradley serves as an Interim Dean of Student Services at Monterey Peninsula College, providing institutional support necessary to aid the College in meeting its mission to “foster student learning and achievement within its diverse community.” LaKisha has twenty years of professional experience in education that reflects her belief in the ability of education to transform lives.  In her current role, she collaborates with individuals and programs across the college to develop programs and resources for students and employees, designed to improve student success.