WELLNESS AND WORLDBUILDING SERIES

11:00am- 12:00pm (opt. a)

4:30pm - 5:30pm (opt. b)

Target Audience: African diasporic students in grades 4-9 enrolled in public, private, charter schools, or homeschooled. These students are interested in gaming, specifically Roblox, and have a passion for storytelling.

Wellness and Worldbuilding SeriesUnlock your child’s creativity and confidence through our transformative Wellness and Worldbuilding Series! Designed specifically for African diasporic students in grades 4-9, this three-part course empowers young minds to explore and express what matters most to them through the captivating worlds of storytelling and gaming.

From designing wellness superheroes to scripting immersive narratives and building interactive experiences in Roblox, students will discover the power of their own voices and talents. This series not only nurtures creative skills but also fosters positive identity development, reinforcing the message that their unique perspectives and abilities are invaluable.

By the end of the series, your child will have created a playable game that reflects their personal journey and values—an achievement they can proudly share with others. Enroll now and support your child in building the confidence and skills needed to thrive in today’s digital and creative landscapes.

Course 1: Wellness and Worldbuilding - Nurturing Imagination Through Self-Care

Instructor: Sherinda Bryant

Course Description: Embark on an exhilarating journey into the enchanting world of "Wellness and Worldbuilding." This course explores the transformative power of wellness and its remarkable ability to fuel creativity. Students will learn to create imaginative worlds while integrating self-care practices, laying the groundwork for their storytelling journey. 

Course 2: Wellness and Worldbuilding 2 - Unleashing Imagination Through Storytelling

Instructors: Sherinda Bryant and Godavari Hughes

Course Description:This class builds upon the foundation laid in Part 1 by focusing on scripting, creating detailed background information, and developing character dialogue. Students will deepen their understanding of storytelling by crafting scripts that will be used in the final class to create an interactive experience in Roblox.

Course 3: Wellness and Worldbuilding 3 - Creating Virtual Story Worlds with Roblox

Instructor: Godavari Hughes

Course Description: In this final class, students will bring their stories to life by creating a virtual world in Roblox. Building on the scripts and characters developed in Part 2, they will use Roblox tools to program and design a playable story or interactive experience. The course culminates in a showcase where students can have others play their game and potentially earn Robucks!

Course Title: Baadaye Foresight Culture- full school year

Target Audience:

High school students in grades 9-12 interested in developing leadership skills, engaging in community service, and exploring Afrofuturistic concepts.

Course Summary:

Baadaye Foresight Culture is a dynamic course designed to empower high school students by exploring Black cultural identity, future-thinking methods, and community service. Through engaging with theories like Stuart Hall's types of culture and W.E.B. Du Bois's vision of a megascope, students will learn to navigate, harness, and apply concepts such as Future Shock, Megatrends, and Acceleration to real-world challenges. This program not only enhances students’ cultural capital but also provides them with practical experience in designing and implementing community service projects, participating in youth forums, and securing internships.

Goals:

-Explore Afrofuturism and Black culture: Understand the impact and relevance of Black cultural identity through various lenses.

-Develop Future-Thinking Skills: Learn and apply concepts like Future Shock, Megatrends, and Acceleration to envision and shape future scenarios.

-Community Engagement: Design and participate in service projects, enhancing local communities and gaining practical experience.

-Career and Academic Preparation: Build a network, participate in internships, and engage in activities that enhance college and scholarship applications.

Course Outline:

1. Exploring Black Identity:

   - Dive into Stuart Hall’s cultural theories to understand and articulate aspects of Black culture.

   - Discussion and workshops on identity formation and cultural significance.

2. Navigating Future Design:

   - Introduction to concepts like Future Shock and Megatrends.

   - Utilize W.E.B. Du Bois's vision for a megascope to examine historical and future perspectives.

3. Creating Change:

   - Practical application of learned concepts in designing community service projects.

   - Techniques like backcasting to plan and implement effective service strategies.

4. Leading the Way:

   - Leadership training through participation in youth forums and internships.

   - Building networks and cultural capital to prepare for future academic and career opportunities.

Tools and Methodologies:

- Cultural Theories: Stuart Hall’s types of culture.

- Futuristic Concepts: Future Shock, Megatrends, Acceleration.

- Strategic Planning Tools: Backcasting to achieve ideal outcomes.

- Practical Engagement: Service projects, youth forums, internships.

Benefits:

- Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of Black culture and its implications for the future.

- Skill Development: Learn to apply theoretical knowledge in practical, real-world contexts.

- Community Impact: Directly contribute to community development and improvement.

- Academic and Career Advancement: Enhance your resume and applications with diverse experiences and skills.

This course is structured to not only educate but also to inspire and mobilize students to become proactive contributors to their communities and leaders in their own right, preparing them for a future where they are empowered and equipped to make meaningful impacts.

Summer 2024:  Thursdays, 6:00pm PST

THURSDAYS ONLY: this virtual meet up youth-led space is for youth to meet with others that love sci-fi/Afrofuturism or who would like to explore, share or ask questions to theor peers. Share books, films, music from the genre! Play games, discuss future thinking questions and challenge yourself with future dreaming prompts!

COURSE INCLUDES COLORING/ACTIVITY SUPPLEMENT AVAILABLE WITH AT HOME LEARNING KIT.

Unveiling Flight Symbolism - Exploring the Power of Metaphor in African and American Cultures

Course Title: "This is Why I'm Fly!"

Summer 2025: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30- 1:30pm PST

 Overview: Embark on a captivating journey through the intertwined histories of African and American cultures as we explore the concept of flight as a metaphor. Discover how flight symbolism has empowered, resisted, and allowed for self-expression. Immerse yourself in literature, art, and oral traditions to reveal the hidden narratives behind this powerful metaphor and its enduring influence on diverse cultures.

Course Highlights: 

Explore the roots and cultural significance of flight symbolism.Investigate how flight evolved from history into metaphor.

Infuse depth and meaning into your flight-inspired creations through literary themes.

Discover the enduring legacy of flight in fostering resilience and self-identity.

Examine the integration of flight themes in contemporary music and its cultural connections.

Explore the journey of creating a world where individuals can confidently embrace their identity.

Reflect on the myriad interpretations of flight and their impact on empowerment, aspirations, and an empowered future.

Course Description: This course offers a compelling exploration of flight symbolism's deep roots and evolving meanings in African and American cultures. Uncover hidden stories and the enduring significance of flight as a metaphor.

Final Project Options for Course Completion