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We believe conversation is the catalyst for change.

The "Listen, Learn, Act” conversation series has been thoughtfully designed to engage youth and their parents in racial justice advocacy. In order to achieve racial justice, we must learn, unlearn and listen to, then amplify, the voices of color and experience. 

LISTEN to and amplify the voices of color and experience.

LEARN: No matter your race, ethnicity, class, gender, age, sexual orientation or background, you have much to gain by deepening your understanding of how we got to this place.

• LiveGirl's Anti-Racism Resources

• ‎Unlocking Us with Brené Brown

ACT: We must move beyond words to action to make systemic change.

• blacklivesmatters.carrd.co *for all clickable links to donate, sign petitions, and other resources

• Seek diverse experiences outside of your comfort zone and foster diverse relationships so that you may better understand lives and perspectives different from your own. 

Register for our 3-pack series beginning April 14th!

May 12, 2021
Women & Girls of Color Disproportionately Impacted

Featured Panelists

Alexia Jackson is a partner at the American Futures Institute (a student lead think-tank). In her role, she researches social policy and consults on state legislature. She is currently pursuing a degree in Public Policy and Political Science at Duke University. During her most recent project, she researched the effects of Covid-19 on young girls of color.

Serena R. Gatlin, Connecticut Native has more than 15 years of professional experience in sports media and television entertainment. Her advocacy for young adults and women of color stem from her early life experiences in the foster care system, becoming a teen mother and the overall challenges women face in the workforce. Serena's desire to help others overcome similar obstacles sparked the manifestation of HER ZONE, INC., a nonprofit and grassroots initiative dedicated to empowering and improving the mental, physical and economic strength of young women of color, ages 13-24 in under-resourced communities, the judicial system, and transitioning from incarceration into society. In addition, Serena is involved in several local and national organizations that advocate for the youth, young women, and the disadvantaged.

April 14, 2021
The CROWN Act: Legislative Action

Gov. Ned Lamont has signed the CROWN Act, a bill aimed at stopping discrimination in the workplace and schools against natural hairstyles. Listen to our panel discussion!

Featured Panelists

Alexandra Gordon | Director of Operations at Black and Brown Coalition PHL
Tracy Sooklall | Miss Bridgeport USA 2020
Keerah Carter aka "Keerah Yeowang" | 2020-2021 Ms. Wisconsin-Mr.Mrs. Ms. Black America Pageant/USA Global Pageant
JadeRose is 13-years-old and lives with her hard-working mom in Meriden, CT. She loves crafts and is very artistic. JadeRose has been natural all of her life and her favorite natural hairstyle is two puff ponytails.

April 1, 2021
AAPI Hate w/ Sarin Cheung

December 8, 2020
What’s Next: Post-Election Racial Healing

Explore answers to questions, such as: Where do we go from here? How can our community/nation come together for racial healing? How can I get involved to make positive change? Experience a guided meditation during this video, as well as book suggestions for allies who want to learn and better themselves.

Featuring Special Guest: Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, U.S. Representative for the Fifth Congressional District of Connecticut. Moderated by Fatou Niang of S.T.A.R.

Featured Panelists

• Akia S. Callum of Bridge to Success Community Partnership & NAACP Youth & College Division

• April Harvin, LCSW, Behavioral Health Professional and Administrator

November 12, 2020
Race, Culture & Curriculum in our Schools
w/ Shanelle Henry

We believe conversation is the catalyst for change.

The "Listen, Learn, Act” conversation series has been thoughtfully designed to engage youth and their parents in racial justice advocacy. In order to achieve racial justice, we must learn, unlearn and listen to, then amplify, the voices of color and experience. 

October 12, 2020
How to be an Inclusive Leader with Simone Morris

Simone Morris is CEO of Simone Morris Enterprises LLC. She is an award-winning diversity and inclusion leader and a consultant and speaker committed to training women and emerging leaders to take true leadership positions in all aspects of their lives.

Ms. Morris has a background that includes over two decades in corporate America, spanning information technology, commercial strategy, and human resources. She holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut. Her technology background has served her well, embedding strong project management acumen that allows her to educate and create transformational results for her clients. Learn more at: https://www.simonemorrisenterprises.org/diversity-inclusion-training-about

September 22, 2020
Advocate or Be Quiet

Bobbi Brown is a public speaker, youth activist, and Bridgeport Board of Education member from Bridgeport, CT. She is a graduate of Oral Roberts University, and earned herself Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia & Communications in 2016. During that time away at school, she developed her love for media and oratory. After graduating, she returned to her hometown with a mission to pour back into her community.

In 2019, Bobbi created #100GirlsLeading. Inspired by her experiences with her mentors, her goal is to empower girls and women to take active roles in their own growth and the improvement of their communities. 

She also hosts her own radio talk show Let’s Talk Brown where she covers relevant topics such as current events pertaining to youth and social culture. Bobbi has also been an active member of the NAACP for years, serving on the National board and holding a state-level position as the Youth Coordinator and Youth & College Council President. She is featured in CT Post, WPKN Community Radio, News8 WTNH, Only in Bridgeport, CT Insider, and DoingIT Local.

Tune in for a conversation about some of the most important racial justice issues with Black Gen Z Activists and Organizers. We will focus on institutionalized racism in education, criminal justice reform, and voter suppression. Our conversation will provide you with educational information and empowering action steps to help guide your Racial Justice Journey. Listen to powerful activists of our generation to learn how you can support the BLM movement in these three fundamental realms.

Join us for a timely conversation discussing microaggressions (“subtle acts of exclusion”) and its harmful effects with professional ballerina, Alexandra Terry. Alexandra shares about her upbringing - what it was like living in a predominantly white town, what inspired her to pursue becoming a ballerina and more! Special appearance by Dr. Vida Samuel, PhD.

Featured Panelists:
Abnerline Macenat, rising high school senior; Kellie Taylor, rising college sophomore (NAACP at college); Tiara Starks, rising college junior (“My Privilege” speech at Juneteenth)

We are inspired by how these GEN Z leaders are rising to take action.

Featuring [top left - counter clockwise]
Ranease Brown, high school Senior; Kathleen Reeves, Sophomore at Georgetown University; Kellie Taylor, Sophomore at Housatonic Community College; Tiara Starks, Junior at University of New Haven; Abnerline Macenat, high school Senior

June 16, 2020
Unpacking Identity

Featuring Cheyenne Tyler Jacobs, Poetic Activist, and Founder, "She Will Speak" and moderated by Dr. Vida Samuel, PhD - Women Studies Scholar, University of Connecticut Professor and LiveGirl Board Member