Social Justice: Our History and Future
2020 has been a year of change in many ways. One of those major changes being the social justice movements that have occurred throughout the course of the year, a prominent one being the Black Lives Matter movement. This movement initiated change and awareness, but it still continues. We aim to educate high school students around the globe about the history of the Black Lives Matter movement, current and recent developments of BLM and the outcomes of the recent events. As we move towards a brighter future of anti-racism, there is pressure on the next generation to carry this movement forward.
Speakers
Ajani Charles
Ajani Charles is a Toronto-based professional photographer, director, producer, mental health advocate, and Canon Canada ambassador with a background in fine arts who specializes in creating impactful stories about the human condition, self-actualization, and mental health.A graduate of the nationally acclaimed Claude Watson Arts Program, Ajani also apprenticed at the Toronto School of Art, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and at 235 Films, under many of the talented artists that currently work through the award-winning production company Fela, which was co-founded by his mentor and colleague, Julien Christian Lutz, who is professionally known as Director X.
In addition, Ajani has gained considerable notoriety in the Greater Toronto Area through his first photographic documentary, “Project T Dot” — a visual chronicle of the city’s hip-hop culture and community in its entirety, including a wide-ranging collection of intimate and dramatic black and white photographs. In production since December of 2006, “Project T Dot” is currently scheduled for a late 2022 publication date.
Furthermore, he has worked with numerous icons and public figures in various capacities, including the likes of Arianna Huffington, Drake, The Weeknd, Pharrell Williams, Wu-Tang Clan, Janelle Monáe, Snoop Dogg, Nas, Slash, Kanye West, Akon, Gene Simmons, Spike Lee, Director X, Dana White, and Commander Chris Hadfiel.
In his plenary, Ajani will use his expertise in art, social justice, and mental health to help students around the world better appreciate themselves and, in turn, others.
