Young people ages 12 to 20, please complete this form to register for the Free Library of Philadelphia's fifth annual Social Justice Symposium on Monday December 28 at 12:00 pm. Upon registering, you will receive an email confirmation with Zoom link.

Join us for a day that will celebrate youth voices and inspire the activists of tomorrow! This free virtual program will provide a safe space where young people can meet like-minded activists and educate themselves so they’re better equipped for the Revolution.

This program has been made possible with generous support from the Philadelphia City Institute Board of Managers.

Program Schedule:

12:00-12:10 Welcome

12:10-12:55 Keynote Talk. Brandon Gonzalez is a Queer AfroLatinx writer and organizer based in The Bronx, New York. They are a sophomore at Oswego State University, with positions ranging from Director of Programming for the Black Student Union and Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Focusing on educational Equity work in their earlier activism, Brandon now has a hyperfocus on Racial and LGBTQIA+ Justice through digital teach-ins.

1:00-1:45 Race and Slavery in the United States. Presented by Kalela Williams. How did slavery shape the idea of race in the United States, and how did it affect African Americans in the decades after it ended? Discover how the enslavement of Black men, women, and children laid the groundwork of how race is often thought of today. Kalela Williams is a former program director at the Free Library of Philadelphia and is now Director of Writing at Mighty Writers. She hosts a social media and in-person gathering community, Black History Maven.

1:50-2:35 The Art of Resistance. Presented by Emily Carris. In this virtual workshop, we will look at the ways artists of color have used art as a form of resistance against racism. Emily Carris is an Artist and Founding Member of The Art Dept/Colored Vintage, a collaborative vintage store and workshop space dedicated to sharing stories and uplifting underserved artists. She has a BA in Education and Photography from Eugene Lang College in New York. She holds a Master's degree in photography from UCA in Kent, England. Her work exploring the personal and cultural legacy of slavery and the Black female body has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Emily has worked as a photography teacher and museum educator at the International Center of Photography in New York. She currently lives and works in Philadelphia.

2:40-3:00 Resource Fair. Brief presentations by: Mazzoni Center, Philadelphia Office of Youth Engagement, SEPTA's Youth Advisory Council, Community Legal Services, and Galaei.

3:05-3:50 . Recently Published Books for Young Activists. Free Library of Philadelphia librarians will share great books on youth activism, with giveaways!

3:55-4:40 Where Do I Start? How to Find Your Place in the Movement for Liberation. Presented by Shakira King. Shakira King is an activist, educator, and native Philadelphian who is committed to preserving Black Philadelphia's' history and culture. She recently created #JawnAid which is a mutual aid fund that provides material support for Black and Brown Philadelphians is committed to continuing her work with black and brown youth in the city.

4:45-5:30 Global Perspectives on Social Justice. Join Hillary Kane and Dr. George Ciccarello-Maher for a discussion of global perspectives on social justice.  First, we'll examine what we mean by the term "social justice." Then we will explore various movements for social justice in different settings -- current and historical movements against colonialism, racism, and capitalism here and abroad.  We hope to have a robust discussion and look forward to exploring social justice remedies to the problems facing us today such as police brutality, inequitable school funding, and more. George Ciccariello-Maher is a Philly-based writer and organizer, and Visiting Associate Professor at Vassar College. He is the author of three books, and his next book -- A World Without Police -- will be published next year.

5:35-5:45 Closing. Virtual prize giveaways and wrap-up.