Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Movement for Black Lives, the continued degradation of the environment by capitalism, and an ongoing season of genocide and war prompted the NGO and philanthropic sectors to interrogate their role as potential enablers of inequity. 

Globally, businesses and institutions began to invest in equity frameworks, conferences on race, and tools to decolonize development, wealth, and public health, even offering discussions on reparations, shifting the power, and localization. We even saw the rise of racial equity indexes, toolkits, assessments, and strategies that many spaces hoped would safeguard against white supremacy. Unfortunately, four years later, we’ve seen the interest in getting equity “right” dry up, no longer prioritized or resourced, and even vilified (“Is DEI Officially Dead?” and “Where does DEI go from here?”)

I want to reignite a learning space for those who want to understand how to practice solidarity with those experiencing racism, inequity, genocide, apartheid, and colonization every day. Toward that end, I’ve developed three learning modules between July and September that will have specific learning objectives:

  1. Define Colonization and White Dominant Culture: Highlighting these as challenges and threats to solidarity.

  2. Reflect on Solidarity: Unpack how Black women and femmes, particularly doulas and other birth workers, model solidarity in their work.

  3. Inspire Solidarity-Centered Actions: Utilize an innovative, multidisciplinary approach to community learning rooted in Black feminist thinking.

Module 1: Introduction to Solidarity

  • Date: Monday, July 29, 2024 at 1 - 2:30 PM EST

  • Format: Live Zoom lecture and reflection session (session will NOT be recorded)

  • Content: Defining solidarity and unpacking its potential.

Module 2: Why is Solidarity So Difficult?

  • Date: August 19, 2024, at 1 - 2:30 PM EST

  • Format: Live Zoom lecture and reflection session (session will NOT be recorded)

  • Content: Exploring the traps of white supremacy and dominant culture.

Module 3: Lessons from Black Women on Practicing Solidarity

  • Date: September 9, 2024, at 1 - 2:30 PM EST

  • Format: Live Zoom lecture and reflection session (session will NOT be recorded)

  • Content: Workshop on doula wisdom and solidarity practices.

Session Structure:

Stephanie Kimou will facilitate each 90-minute session and will follow this structure:

  1. Lecture or panel discussion (30 minutes):

    • Focus on the highlighted topic (defining solidarity, identifying its threats, and practicing solidarity through learning from Black doulas.)

  2. Plenary Q&A (30 minutes):

    • Open the floor for questions and discussion on the lecture content.

  3. Reflection on Action  (30 minutes):

    • Participants will engage in discussions led by specific reflection questions intended to catalyze action.

Paying for Program Fees: 

$350 for all 3 modules; register here!

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is the target audience? - This course is designed for NGO and philanthropic staff, activists, policymakers, advocates, medical professionals, professors, philanthropists, and anyone seeking to practice solidarity with marginalized communities. It is a valuable resource for those looking to redefine their approach to support and service in their homes, communities, and institutions.

Who is the facilitator? - Stephanie Kimou  (she/her) is an equity strategist, writer, and lecturer working to make the NGO and philanthropic sectors more equitable and accessible for Black women, femmes, and gender-expansive folks. She has a decade-long career in African development and now supports philanthropic institutions in defining decolonization and implementing next-generation equity initiatives. She’s a yogi, aspiring Buddhist, and angel investor for Black women-led start-ups like Wujj and Somewhere Good. 

Can I pay for multiple people? - Yes, you’ll have the option to pay for multiple spots in the course!

I’m using professional development funds. Can I be invoiced for this payment and have my place of work pay you directly? - No, sorry! All payments must be made via our website.

Will there be homework or assignments in between modules/sessions? - No, you do not need to bring or do anything before each session. Just show up on time and with an open mind!

Will sessions be recorded in case I miss one? - No, these live sessions will not be recorded! Please ensure you are available for all 3 sessions on July 29, August 19, and September 9 from 1 - 2:30 pm EST!

Can I receive a refund if I can not attend a session/s? - No, sorry!

Can I transfer my spot to someone else if I suddenly become unavailable? Sorry, no transfers!

I’d love to join, but I can not afford to. Do you have a sliding scale? Yes! Message us here!