Join us for a panel discussion and reception uplifting Black indigeneity in the South.

Panelist will share on the intersection between Black and Indigenous identities, and their significance in the fight towards land and environmental justice, sovereignty, and advocacy of the environmental justice concerns relevant to their respective lands (Muskogee Creek, Yamassee, Okmulgee, Chickasaw, Seminole). We will also cover recognition as Black Indigenous people by federally recognized nations, the implications of environmental theology in labor and land acknowledgments, and hyperlocal place-keeping.

We are pleased to host the following representatives of Black Indigenous for the panel.
Rhonda Grayson || Muscogee Creek Indian Freedman Band LINK
Amber Starks (Melanin Mvskoke)|| African-American and Native American Activist LINK
Rev. Dr. Avis Williams || Historian & Community Leader
Chief Se’khu Hadjo Gentle || Chief of the Yamassee Indian Nation

The panel will be moderated by Erica Holloman-Hill PhD. founder of Ayika Solutions, who in 2021 spearheaded Beyond Land Acknowledgement at WAWA, an effort to take action beyond land acknowledgment in solidarity with Indigenous peoples.

In our efforts to go "Beyond Land Acknowledgement,” this panel seeks to build on past programming while fostering relationships with Black Southern indigenous folk. We hope to do so through conversation highlighting the connection between their history, and the environmental, land, economic, and climate justice movements. It may also feature the local efforts and work, and current events relevant to their respective Nation.

We will host a reception following the panel with Afro-Indigenous-inspired refreshments curated by tastemaker, Andrea Blanton, Food Earth Birth will be served.

Doors Open at 6:15, and we will start promptly at 6:30p.

We are grateful to our partner for this event Sustainable Spelman.