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Catalyst for Change Series

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The Catalysts for Change Speaker Series features best-selling authors, celebrated personalities, civil and human rights leaders, educators, and opinion leaders who are critically acclaimed for their perspectives on issues of race, access to opportunity, equity, and social justice. Our goal is to enlighten participants on the historic struggle for civil and human rights and inspire personal social action to combat today’s injustices.

The 2023 Catalyst for Change series will include sessions aligned with the Museum’s strategic pillars of economic empowerment, education, arts, and culture.

2025 Catalyst for Change Series

Driving Economic Empowerment: The Legacy and Impact of Black Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship has long been a cornerstone of the Black community's resilience, economic empowerment, and activism in the United States. Black entrepreneurs have played a crucial role in shaping both the economic and social fabric of the nation despite facing significant barriers, including exclusion from mainstream financial institutions, discriminatory laws, and limited access to markets. Regardless of these challenges, many Black business owners emerged as leaders, not only creating economic opportunities for themselves but also uplifting entire communities. During the Civil Rights Movement, entrepreneurship was also a form of resistance, as Black business owners leveraged their economic power to challenge segregation and promote social change. In celebration of Black entrepreneurship, The National Civil Rights Museum invites you to attend “Driving Economic Empowerment: The Legacy and Impact of Black Entrepreneurship” on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM. Hear from business leaders on how Black entrepreneurship has been a vital force in the fight for economic justice and racial equity, as well as a path to economic independence, creating jobs, inspiring innovation, and advocating for social action in support of marginalized communities.

 

2024 Catalyst for Change Series

September 16, 2024 – Tackling Prostate Cancer Disparities in Black Men with panelists Dr. Walter Rayford, Clarence Williamson, Ken Carpenter, and Dr. Duane Loynes as moderator

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2023 Catalyst for Change Series

April 27, 2023 – Building Black Wealth: Past, Present, and Future, panelist Jozelle Booker, Dr. Charles McKinney, Erik Stevenson

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2019-2020 Catalyst for Change Speakers

September 11, 2019 – Robyn Henderson-Espinoza, “Constellation of Differences: Rethinking Intersectionality”

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November 13, 2019 – Rashad Robinson, “Until Justice Is Real: Building Black Power in 2020 and Beyond”

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February 6, 2020 – Ernesto Cortes

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