The Carver's Black History Seminar for Adults

__________________

Join us in person and virtually for the Carver Black History Seminar for Adults! This six-week educational journey, offered at the , and virtualy, is designed specifically for adults, with a special emphasis on parents with children. Participants explore Black history from Ancient Egypt through to the modern era. The seminar will empower attendees by deepening their understanding of black heritage, resilience, and the diverse contributions of people of black African descent to world civilization.

Each weekly session features presentations by leading scholars and community experts. Participants all engage interactively with museum resources. A special focus is placed on equipping parents with historical insights and practical tools to support their children’s identity development, academic achievement, and civic engagement.

Week 1: (February 4 - In-person at The Carver) African Origins of Civilization – Explore ancient history, political structures, social mores, spirituality, philosophy, and the enduring legacy of early African civilizations. (with Matthew C. Whitaker, Ph.D.)

Week 2: (February 11 - Virtual Via Zoom - Link will be provided) African Empires, Trade, and Knowledge – Examine African kingdoms, traditions, culture, and centers of learning, faith, and commerce that shaped the continent. (with Jeremy I. Levitt, Ph.D.)

Week 3: (February 18 - Virtual Via Zoom - Link will be provided) Diaspora, Slavery, and Survival – Study the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the transformation of African cultural practices, and stories of resistance. (with Jeremy I. Levitt, J.D., Ph.D. and Matthew C. Whitaker, Ph.D.)

Week 4: (February 25 - Virtual Via Zoom - Link will be provided) Reconstruction and Black Agency – Explore the nature of black communities, and the roles of religious institutions, civic structures, advocacy, and the Black church in post-emancipation society. (with Dr. Anthony Pratcher II)

Week 5: (March 4 In-person at The Carver) Civil Rights, Black Power, Pan-Africanism, and Global Influence – Investigate the impact of civil rights litigation, movement faith leaders, religious diversity, and transnational justice efforts. (with Dr. Matthew C. Whitaker)

Week 6: (March 11 In-person at The Carver) Black Contributions and the Future – Highlight contemporary innovators, evolving spirituality, entrepreneurship, and visions for the future. (with Thomas Claiborn, IV and Dr. Matthew C. Whitaker)

Questions? Contact us at or call us at 602-675-4755.

The Carver in Phoenix stands as a living testament to the enduring brilliance, resilience, and creative spirit of people of African descent. Our mission is to collect, preserve, safeguard, interpret, and teach the cultural, historical, and artistic legacy of Black American life, illuminating its profound contributions to the tapestry of humanity. Through exhibitions, archives, and educational programs, we seek to awaken a deeper public understanding of history and affirm the dignity and dynamism of Black achievement. We are committed to scholarly inquiry, to partnerships that advance knowledge on local, national, and international levels, and to sustaining a space where memory, learning, and community converge. The Carver serves not only as a custodian of the past but also as a beacon for future generations—an enduring source of pride, inspiration, truth, and heritage.

The Carver operates from the conviction that education, cultural memory, and moral imagination are instruments of liberation and renewal. Anchored in the foundational values of educational excellence, sacrificial mentorship, cultural resilience, spiritual conviction, and creative leadership, the Museum seeks to shape a future in which the legacy and genius of Black life are honored, understood, and advanced. We believe that when communities are equipped with truthful histories and empowered to interpret their own stories, they awaken a sense of dignity and purpose that transforms both individual lives and collective destinies. Through a principled synthesis of scholarship, mentorship, and artistic expression, Carver cultivates leaders who ground innovation in heritage and reflect character through service.

The Carver's Executive Director, Dr. Matthew C. Whitaker, discusses the history of our historic landmark in the video below, and our Board President, Dr. Jeremy I. Levitt, is pictured delivering our 2026 inaugural Dr. Marting Luther King, Jr. Keynote Address and Book Talk, Beyond Borders: Marting Luther King, Jr., Africa, and Pan Africanism.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher The Carver Museum and Cultural Center