In this talk, Dr. Justin Coles draws on a decade of collaborative work with Black youth to reveal how their artistic and cultural practices offer powerful tools for learning that resists antiblackness and shapes more just educational spaces. Attendees will explore what it means to read, create, and interpret through the lens of Black youth aesthetics, see how pedagogical strategies grounded in care and collective creativity can transform classrooms and communities, and leave with practical ideas to honor student voice. Through stories, visuals, and interactive reflection, this talk invites you to both witness and actively engage in imagining what education can become when Black love and youth creativity guide the way.
For more information, contact: Grace D Player at grace.player@uconn.edu