Dubbed as a “series of critical conversations for the state of Minnesota,” this dialogue is centered on the rich tradition of Black radicalism while showcasing the most vibrant voices of contemporary radical thought. Radical Black futurism means emerging beyond the confines of today and stepping into the vastness of what could come tomorrow. Save that date June 15^th and Register Now below. This is a ticketed event. Free and open to the public.

“Dr. Benjamin’s work and The Forum’s data-based quest to manifest racial equity are running parallel tracks right now, from a strategic perspective. We mirror each other’s imagination,” said Adair Mosley, Chief Executive Officer of The Forum.  

Dr. Benjamin’s latest book is titled, Imagination: A Manifesto. “This is an invitation to rid our mental and social structures from the tyranny of dominant imaginaries. It [this book] is a field guide for seeding an imagination grounded in solidarity,” according to Benjamin.

She is the founding director of the Ida B. Wells Just Data Lab, housed at Princeton University. This transformative scholar is recognized as one of the nation’s foremost experts in how to retool data for social justice, having spoken to audiences across the world on eliminating racism. Dr. Benjamin’s keynote marks the first in a series of intellectual-discourse themed events hosted by The Forum, in the pursuit of equitable and just communities for all of Minnesota.

Four years removed from the murder of George Floyd, which launched a global racial reckoning, The Forum serves to provide the push from conventional boundaries to bold new spaces–into fertile ground for rebirthing ideas that flourish the growth of goodness. Our speakers will ignite imagination to tear down existing social barriers. We hope that people enter the launch of the Radical Black Future Series feeling curious–then exit feeling inspired and activated. While Dr. Benjamin headlines our inaugural event for this series, the speakers for our Fall and Winter events have not yet been named. We are expecting a packed house June 15th and strongly encourage attendees to register early.

More About Dr. Ruha Benjamin: She’s an esteemed sociologist and professor in the department of African American studies at Princeton. Her work investigates the social dimensions of science, medicine and technology with a focus on the relationship between innovation and inequity, health and justice, knowledge and power. Dr. Benjamin is the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships including from the American Council of Learned Societies, National Science Foundation, Marguerite Casey Foundation Freedom Scholar Award and the President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching at Princeton. Her work is published in numerous journals, including Science, Technology, and Human Values; Policy & Society; Ethnicity & Health; and the Annals of the American Academy of Social and Political Science. Benjamin’s work and research have been featured on national and international news outlets, including NBC News, Fast Company, WIRED, Slate Magazine, CBC, CNET, The Guardian, National Geographic and Nature.

About the African American Leadership Forum: Celebrating nearly 20 years of intellectual discourse, this series is part of our ongoing commitment to manifest racial equity through radically innovative solutions. We are a collective of institutions and leaders that serves as a think-and-do tank across Minnesota. Our six impact areas are education, economic prosperity, generational wealth building, public safety, health and environmental justice. We want to create a radical and prosperous future for Black Minnesotans by advancing Black-Centered policies and solutions that actualize true liberation. We envision a tomorrow that is inclusive, vibrant, fair and where Black excellence excels in all forms.

Media Contact: Jazmine Ngwu, jazmine@aalftc.org