It was a deeply inspiring and profoundly moving series of conversations exploring both the experiences of the Black Men’s Gatherings and the deep effects the process had on the participants and their communities. We are excited to make available the video recordings of these special sessions as part of our ongoing Pupil of the Eye Art Series.
VIDEO: The Purpose of the Black Men’s Gathering
Dr. William (Billy) Roberts provides an overview of the purpose and influence of this groundbreaking initiative, featuring a panel presentation of Black Men’s Gathering participants who share about the impact it had on their lives and Bahá’í communities, as well as discuss specific projects which grew out of their participation.
Moderating: Dr. William (Billy) Roberts, Clinical/Consulting Psychologist and Founder, Black Men’s Gathering
Panelists: Nasif Habeeb-ullah, Georgia; Alton Williams, New Jersey; Dennis Davis, Florida; and Dr. Shawheen James, North Carolina
VIDEO: Art from the Black Men’s Gathering – A Tribute to Robert Hayden, Poet Laureate, Library of Congress
Focusing on the arts, and honoring Robert Hayden, Bahá’í and US Poet Laureate (Library of Congress), this session includes contributions from writers Dr. Derik Smith and Patrick Patillo, musicians Roger Hogan and Oluyemi Thomas, and photographer Donald Camp.
Moderating: Dr. William (Billy) Roberts
Panelists:
- Patrick Patillo, poet and son-in-law to Robert Hayden
- Dr. Derik Smith, Professor Claremont Colleges and author of Robert Hayden in Verse
- Donald Camp, Guggenheim, Pew and National Endowment for the Arts award winning photographer
Featuring the recorded music of Oluyemi Thomas, American saxophonist and Roger Hogan, Jazz saxophonist.
VIDEO: Community Builders
“Community Builders” showcases local initiatives that were an outgrowth of the Black Men’s Gathering.
Moderating: Dr. William (Billy) Roberts
Panelists:
- Teddy Lawrence, Entrepreneur/Educator and Juan Pacheco, Actor/Artist — “A Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative”
- Kevin Andrews, Charter School Founder/Administrator and Academic Advocate
- Jason Grammar, Dublin Diversity Inclusion Alliance — “Not by Chance: Implementation of the Oneness of Mankind in Dublin, CA”