Join Capital B for a series of conversations focused on the importance of authentically centering Black narratives. From policy, to health and entertainment we’ll unpack the ways in which Black stories can ignite real change and manifest opportunities.

February 24, 2022: The Importance of Black Narratives: In day one of this multi day event, we’ll explore the ways in which sharing Black stories can ignite real change: from BLM to housing policy, vaccine hesitancy, and more.

Lauren Williams, CEO and Co-founder Capital B

Over the last 10 years, video evidence of police brutality has brought the visceral reality of many Black communities to the mainstream, sparking protests, fueling Black Lives Matter and other movements, and becoming a foundational American political conversation. In the aftermath, the families left behind must deal with what it means for a video of the worst moment of their lives to become a call for change.

Shareeduh McGee Tate, cousin of George Floyd

Moderator: Christina Carrega, Criminal Justice Reporter, Capital B

Reflections On Black Narratives In Organizing

Hear from a BLM co founder about the work the organization did to center Black families stories in movement work and the impact that had, the good and the bad.

Alicia Garza, author, Co-founder of Black Lives Matter and Black Futures Lab

Moderator: Simone Sebastian, Editorial Director, Capital B

Centering Black People in the Climate Conversation

The effects of climate change are disproportionately impacting communities of color—and yet Black people are rarely centered in these narratives. Join Capital B as we talk to residents suffering first hand from climate change and the experts and advocates trying to help share their stories.

Tamara Toles O’Laughlin, CEO and President at Environmental Grantmakers Association

Dr. Dominic J. Bednar, Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow at Arizona State University

Heather McTeer Toney, Vice President of Community Engagement at Environmental Defense Fund and National Field Director for Moms Clean Air Force

Moderator: Adam Mahoney, Environmental Reporter, Grist

Addressing The Eviction Crisis In Black Communities

With the end of eviction moratoriums and a significant decrease in rental assistance funds, the affordable housing crisis is only getting worse. We’ll talk to tenants who face eviction given changing laws, political representatives whose constituents are at risk, and housing rights experts and advocates trying to shine a light on the stories of Black communities.

Sandra Park, Attorney at ACLU Women’s Rights Project

Moderator: Brentin Mock, Staff Writer at CityLab

Since the beginning of the pandemic, COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on Black communities. Battling mistrust in the healthcare system, residents and community organizations are taking matters into their own hands. Join Capital B for a conversation about how listening to and respecting Black communities can help move the needle.

Aliyya Swaby, ProPublica South children and families reporter

Dr. Giselle Corbie-Smith, Director of the UNC Center for Health Equity Research

Moderator: Margo Snipe, National Health Reporter, Capital B

Lauren Williams, CEO and Co-founder, Capital B

February 25, 2022: Bringing Black Stories to the Masses: In day 2 of this multi day event, we’ll talk to the people who are centering Blackness and Black storytelling in the mainstream: from journalists, to writers, to the entertainment business, there’s power in reflecting the lived experiences of Black people.

Akoto Ofori-Atta, Co-founder and Chief Audience Officer, Capital B

Kevin Merida, Executive Editor, The Los Angeles Times

Moderator: Gillian White, Senior Vice President of Revenue & Programming, Capital B

The Big Interview: Creating Your Own Lane

Tyler Perry, actor, director, producer and screenwriter

Moderator: Gavin Godfrey, Atlanta Editor, Capital B

Erinn Haines, Editor-at-Large at The 19th News

Moderator: Akoto Ofori-Atta, Co-founder and Chief Audience Officer, Capital B

Tia Williams, Bestselling author of “Seven Days in June”

Moderator: Lauren Williams, CEO and Co-founder, Capital B

Diallo Riddle, actor, writer, producer and co-creator of HBO Max’s South Side

Moderator: Morgan Johnson, Co-founder of The TRiiBE

Moderator: Glory Edim, Creator of Well-Read Black GirlClint Smith III, author and staff writer at The Atlantic

The Power of Black Stories