The Battle for the Black Mind: A Conversation with Dr. Karida L. Brown

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged. This event takes place at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303. Doors open at 6pm. Event begins promptly at 6:30pm.

Charis and the Auburn Avenue Research Library welcome Dr. Karida L. Brown in conversation with Dr. Lakeysha “Key” Hallmon for a celebration of , a history of education in the United States from the end of the Civil War to the historic ruling of Brown v. Board of Education.

In The Battle for the Black Mind, Dr. Karida Brown explores the struggle to define and control the education of African Americans amid shifting societal attitudes and forms of systemic exclusion. From the perspective of freed slaves seeking empowerment and liberation through education, to the white elites aiming to shape the future of the workforce and consolidate power, The Battle for the Black Mind explores the formation of segregated education systems and the influence of philanthropic organizations, religious institutions, and Black educators themselves in shaping these structures. It also examines the global reach of these education models, particularly their impact on African societies under colonial rule.
Ultimately, Dr. Brown presents a critical investigation of the foundational roots of racial inequality in American education, arguing that it wasn't just about the separation of institutions—but about controlling access to the ideals of American democracy.
About the author:
Karida L. Brown is an NAACP Image Award-winning author and public intellectual. A professor at Emory University, Brown is a leading scholar of systemic racism and the study of Black life. Her work, which spans over a decade of groundbreaking research and analysis, has earned her both national and international acclaim. She is the author co-author of The New Brownies’ Book: A Love Letter to Black Families, continuing the legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois by centering Black narratives and empowering Black futures.

About the conversation partner:
Dr. Lakeysha “Key” Hallmon, EdD, is a mission-forward visionary, author, and social entrepreneur celebrated for her unique “Village Model,” renowned for its innovative structure and community-centered approach. Dr. Hallmon has expanded her mission with The Village Retail, a flagship retail store for Black brands. Dr. Key is the author of “No One Is Self-Made: Build Your Village to Flourish in Business and Life.” She has been recognized by esteemed publications such as Forbes, Inc. Magazine. Essence, Black Enterprise, CNN/HLN, the Today Show, and more. As a board member for Invest Atlanta, Dr. Hallmon continues to advocate for equitable opportunities within the business and affordable housing landscape. Dr. Hallmon serves on the Board of Trustees for Tougaloo College. Dr. Hallmon is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

About the venue:
- Masks are encouraged but not required.
- AARL has a free parking lot accessible via Courtland street. Please park and enter the library to get a guest pass for your dashboard before having a seat in the auditorium.

The event is free and open to all people, but we encourage and appreciate a donation of $5-20 in support of the work of Charis Circle, our programming non-profit. Charis Circle's mission is to foster sustainable feminist communities, work for social justice, and encourage the expression of diverse and marginalized voices. Donate via our website: www.chariscircle.org/donate.

Please contact us at [email protected] or 404-524-0304 if you would like ASL interpretation at this event.

By attending our event, you agree to our Code of Conduct: Our event seeks to provide a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), class, or technology choices. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Unsolicited sexual language and imagery are not appropriate. Anyone violating these rules will be expelled from this event and all future events at the discretion of the organizers. Please report all harassment to Charis staff immediately or email [email protected].

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