For the past 11 years, Project Humanities has partnered with hundreds of diverse organizations. We have partnered locally, nationally, and internationally, on myriad topics of cultural and social interest. Because we know that there is no success without collaboration, Project Humanities invites our partners to bring vital perspectives to these conversations and as such, we highlight the excellent organizations that will be present at this upcoming event. Our event next week is no exception, and we take this opportunity to highlight some of the important organizations we will be working with. Read on!
On Wednesday, February 21st, Project Humanities will host a PBS partnership film screening of Storming Caesars Palace. ABOUT THIS FILM: “Based on the book Storming Caesars Palace: How Black Mothers Fought Their Own War on Poverty by Annelise Orleck, this film challenges the pernicious lie of the 'Welfare Queen,' and highlights the visionary leadership of low-income grassroots organizers whose courage, tenacity and dreams could not be quashed, against all odds” (Storming Caesars Palace, 2023). Join us for a preview screening of this exclusive hour-long excerpt of Storming Caesars Palace, followed by a conversation with local Black activists representing marginalized gender identities. Our panelists work in the fields of child welfare, birthing justice, mutual aid, and political education. We will be discussing the need to acknowledge and promote Black activist voices and how to support their efforts.
Firstly, we have the Black Phoenix Organizing Collective , a group founded in 2019 to increase Black-led and Black-centered organizations operating in Phoenix, Arizona. This organization focuses on Reproductive and Birth Justice, Disability Justice, and Political Education & Mutual Aid. Among these focuses, the Black Phoenix Organizing Collective additionally highlights the importance of intentionally intersectional cultural organizing, centering queer and trans individuals, those who have been formerly incarcerated, disabled people, and Muslim immigrants and refugees. This organization also runs the Why I Didn’t Call campaign (WIDC) to build solidarity among those targeted by systemic oppression in the criminal justice system. Joining us from the Black Phoenix Organizing Collective is Jasmine Snipes (they/them), the organization’s Executive Director and the owner and Principal Consultant of Jasmine Snipes Counseling, LLC.
Learn more about their programming here: https://blackphxoc.org/
Our next partner organization is the Black Mothers Forum, Inc. Founded in 2016, the Black Mothers Forum, Inc began as a community gathering to address concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of Black children. Since its inception, the organization has blossomed to center four major pillars: Education, Economic Development, Civic Engagement, and Prayer, Health, & Wellness. Additionally, the Black Mothers Forum presents multiple food and housing resources, as well as educational materials for community members. Janelle Wood (she/her), founding director and CEO of the Black Mothers Forum, will join us at this important discussion. Wood is a mother, wife, and published author of “Anatomy of a Black Mother”.
Learn more about their programming here: https://blackmothersforums.com/
Our next featured partner organization, founded in 2001, is the Family Involvement Center (FIC), which has multiple active offices across the state of Arizona. FIC is a family-run non profit organization with the goal to assist, support, and empower parents and caregivers to help them meet the needs of their families. They offer parent-to-parent support, education, training, counseling, and tailored services to meet the needs of each unique family. Joining us is Samara Vaught (she/her), who is one of FIC’s Parent Ally well-versed in the welfare system and its impacts upon parents and families. Vaught is an impactful grassroots activist, responsible for securing funding to heighten outreach and engagement to Black and Indigenous communities.
Learn more about their programming here: https://www.familyinvolvementcenter.org/who-we-are/about
The last organization joining the discussion will be the Islamic Social Services Association (ISSA). This organization began in 1999 at the annual conference of Muslim Social Services. 60 individuals with backgrounds ranging in social work, mental health, and family services gathered to address social concerns for the Muslim community in North America. Their vision is to create an interculturally competent social service network for all Muslims. They provide mentorship, diversity training, and myriad other services to achieve this goal. Joining us from the ISSA is President and Co-Founder Dr. Aneesah Nadir (she/her), who holds a Phd in Social Work with specific focus on marriage and family affairs.
Learn more about their programming here: https://issausa.org/
These organizations are merely snapshots into the community organizing of the Phoenix area. There are hundreds of organizations gathering, discussing, and acting to make this world a more equitable, just, and fair place for all. We hope that this event and highlighting these great organizations will inspire more community members to get involved or start their own platform to raise awareness. It takes a village!