This workshop will examine the complex relationships and ideologies of MLK Malcolm X on the Civil Rights Movement, and examine how their differing strategies continue to create friction in the urban communities and were/are exploited by the federal government and those who opposed civil rights and social justice initiatives.

In honor of drummer/activist Max Roach’s centennial, we will explore his 1960 Civil Rights album “We Insist! Freedom Now Suite”

Bobby has invited his sister to join the conversation. A television producer for TFI (French television), she recently spent several days embedded with Trump supporters before and during the Iowa caucuses. She has some excellent stories (and pictures). Come join us for the family event!

In this workshop, students will gain first-hand knowledge through developing the skills Jess and Chandra use to achieve safe effective culturally sensitive communication. The goal is to equip students with tools to engage in interracial dialogue at a 1:1 level that will enrich their personal well-being, and interpersonal relationships as well as educational and professional careers.

In this workshop we will examine how this genre has socially progressed over the last 20 years, where to find the most diverse books and book content creators and find out if Booktok has really affected the publishing industry for the better.

This workshop will explore the representation of LGBTQ+ characters in television and film, both historically and currently.

Talk about confidence, healthy mind=healthy self, and make post-its/posters for the bathroom.

Our workshop aims to provide a clear and unbiased understanding of the Israel-Palestine conflict. We will dive into the complex history of these two countries and the events leading up to these major conflicts.

This workshop will offer an overview and interactive discussion on the history of tension between Hindus and Muslims in South Asian countries.

Students will listen to a panel led by gun violence prevention experts from national organizations on how COVID has had detrimental impacts on mental health and how it connects to a surge in gun violence during the pandemic.

How Black women are portrayed in the media and how white people end up telling their stories.

Students will learn about the different ways in which Latin and Hispanic immigrants have contributed to American society and culture with a special emphasis on food. They’ll learn about the origin of a few well known, celebrated dishes, and examine how these foods evolved from their countries of origin to the U.S.

This workshop is designed to strengthen GDS students’ media literacy when it comes to antisemitism.

In this workshop, we'll be making dumplings while engaging in conversations regarding what hate-free legacy and constructive dialogue mean for the Asian community.

Informing students by weaving the historical threads and acknowledging the need for affirmative action as a response to past injustices.

Experience environmental justice issue through board games. With games such as Rising Waters, Earth Rising, Energetic, and more!

We will be presenting statistics from current GDS student servers and an anonymous question box. Discussing how family structure is classified as an identity.

Come join us in the kitchen to whip up some batches of cookies with a lean-in for empowerment decorating! Background soundtracked with activist music, we will roll, cut, bake, and decorate! Afterward, we hope to sell our wares and donate the money generated from cookie sales to an organization that serves to support local DC residents.

Embark on a cinematic journey with "Fusion Through Film - Multi-Ethnic Narratives." Featuring short films like "La Luna" (2011), "Kitbull" (2019), "One Small Step" (2018), and "Hair Love" (2019), our workshop explores rich multi-ethnic and multiracial narratives.

In this workshop, students will have a discussion with the former director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services Leon Rodriguez.

We will lead a discussion based on how society views and values black men.

Students will observe the close-up view of a person diagnosed with bipolar disorder as he goes in and out of depression and mania - all with some humor and in musical form.

A lecture and discussion, with examples from many genres, on how to write intersectional characters, as well as how to use intersectionality to connect with others outside of the realm of fiction.

This workshop will be a group-based discussion about the rise of Islamophobia in the United States since 9/11 and October 7th, 2023.

Have you ever wanted to be in a Jubilee video? Do you have strong opinions on everyday topics?

In this workshop, we will learn how to meditate, starting with correct posture, breathing techniques, and respecting the body to take a close look at the mind. Cushions, pillows, benches, and chairs will be provided to help each participant achieve a firm posture. There is no prior background knowledge or equipment required; just show up as you are.

Exploring the inner workings of a predominantly white institution (PWI) while maintaining one's self, our workshop consists of interactive activities, meaningful dialogue, and building connections.

Anticipating racial pressures to conform in a non-GDS environment.

This workshop will examine the lives of those living in the occupied Palestinian territories. We will utilize a combination of visuals, storytelling, and the analysis of factual/historical information to view the impact of oppression on those who identify within a marginalized population. The workshop format will consist of a presentation followed by an open, guided discussion.

In this workshop we will explore the complexities of the criminal justice system, delving into pressing issues such as systemic bias, rehabilitation, and access to legal representation.

Exploring and identifying songs and artists in the hip-hop culture that speak to a wide range of mental health experiences related to depression, anxiety, substance abuse/recovery, and trauma. Students and facilitators will pick and play songs aloud before collective discussion amongst the group.

Today's political climate is filled with inflammatory rhetoric. In this workshop, we will directly confront that rhetoric.

In this workshop, students will learn about several key social justice icons who have had a profound impact on the business world. We will learn about the history of the intersectionality between the two topics and discuss the actions that still need to be taken to reduce inequality in the workplace.

Join us to discuss how male-identifying people are impacted by both fetishization and negative stereotypes based on their racial identity.

Did you love The Barbie Movie? Or did you hate it? Did the movie provoke meaningful dialogue? Or was it just surface-level marketing?

Presentation and discussion on how gun violence disproportionately affects certain groups and the role it plays in mental health.

This workshop will explore how the history of colonization interacts with the current government, and how Indigenous populations are fighting for equality in their countries.

In this workshop, participants will embark on a comprehensive journey through the basics of gerrymandering, unraveling the intricacies of this growing electoral phenomenon.

In this workshop, we will understand the rich history of global indigenous communities using drugs for medicinal, spiritual, and cultural purposes, the difference between natural drugs and synthetic drugs, and the seriousness of drug use beyond a Western perspective.

Listening. Thinking. Asking questions

 In our workshop, the nurses will discuss the services available to survivors of sexual assault in the District of Columbia. Using case studies, they will explore challenging scenarios around bodily autonomy, consent, and systems of power that affect patients when they seek a medical forensic exam after sexual assault.

Discover the stories of Neighbors Incorporated; its successes and its failures- with those who remember.

We want to explore the intersections of bias, values, and research in the GDS community.

Taking the workshop leader's own project (family memoir of the descendants of Paul von Hindenburg, Germany's president who appointed Hitler as head of government in 1933) as a starting point, we will discuss and compare how names of public spaces and monuments in both Germany and the US reflect contemporary attitudes towards the lessons of history for today's civil discourse.

Have you ever wondered why baby boomers look at us in disgust? Well, our session will provide the POV of someone of a generation way beyond ours.

In this workshop, we will learn about the gender gap in leadership positions in the U.S. and around the world; analyze why women's political and civic participation is critical to democracy; and explore the rise in online harassment and abuse against women leaders, as well as tools to combat it.

This workshop will examine the complex relationships and ideologies of MLK Malcolm X on the Civil Rights Movement, and examine how their differing strategies continue to create friction in the urban communities and were/are exploited by the federal government and those who opposed civil rights and social justice initiatives.

Whether you're curious about the science behind sexuality or seeking a deeper understanding, this workshop invites you to broaden your perspectives and foster a more inclusive and informed community. Expect engaging discussions, thought-provoking research, and a space that encourages open dialogue.

Our workshop aims to provide a clear and unbiased understanding of the Israel-Palestine conflict. We will dive into the complex history of these two countries and the events leading up to these major conflicts.

Come learn how the game of chess can be a connection point between people from different cultures! We will learn about the history of the game and some historical figures who have influenced the game. You will also get a chance to play!

This workshop will offer an overview and interactive discussion on the history of tension between Hindus and Muslims in South Asian countries.

How Black women are portrayed in the media and how white people end up telling their stories.

Have you ever seen a comedy special, TV show, movie, or even a TikTok that featured "dark" humor? In this workshop, you will learn about the origins of dark humor, and discuss its complexities. We will be facilitating a detailed, lively discussion about the fine line between dark humor and offensive humor. Who draws that line? How can we identify when it goes too far?

Students will learn the basics of debate and how it impacts social justice and speaking up for yourself. They will also learn about important debates in social justice history.

This workshop is designed to strengthen GDS students’ media literacy when it comes to antisemitism.

In this session, you will learn about the disproportionate effect of environmental justice. 

Experience environmental justice issue through board games. With games such as Rising Waters, Earth Rising, Energetic, and more!

Students will be looking at a slide presentation of the timeline of Black Male cuts. This will better educate them on the terms fade/taper fade/ line up etc.

Embark on a cinematic journey with "Fusion Through Film - Multi-Ethnic Narratives." Featuring short films like "La Luna" (2011), "Kitbull" (2019), "One Small Step" (2018), and "Hair Love" (2019), our workshop explores rich multi-ethnic and multiracial narratives.

We will watch and discuss a short behind-the-scenes feature from Pixar about a script supervisor who discovered that she could use her unique role in film development and computer programming to shed light on the gender balance of characters. Then we will watch a scene from an animated film with an eye towards gender and reflect on the complexity of the task.

Students will learn of the history of graphic liberation, starting from iconic protest posters of the 20th century to the digital age's dynamic visual activism. Explore the groundbreaking work of artists who have used graphic design to challenge authority, question societal norms, and advocate for equality. Whether it's advocating for racial equality, environmental justice, or gender rights, this activity empowers individuals to use art as a medium for raising awareness and inspiring change.

Have you ever heard about the importance of using person-centered language (for example: "person experiencing homelessness" instead of "homeless person")? It may seem like a small difference, and our words matter! The words we use when we read or talk about social justice topics, both in the past and present, influence our attitudes and beliefs. We'll be looking at examples of how information is presented in articles, books, and videos to see how language impacts how people think.

A lecture and discussion, with examples from many genres, on how to write intersectional characters, as well as how to use intersectionality to connect with others outside of the realm of fiction.

Exploring the inner workings of a predominantly white institution (PWI) while maintaining one's self, our workshop consists of interactive activities, meaningful dialogue, and building connections.

This session examines the way incarceration impacts Black men's reintegration into society by looking at employment and socioeconomic status after release.

Anticipating racial pressures to conform in a non-GDS environment.

Do you want to learn more about yourself through art? In this workshop, you’ll craft an identity molecule—a map of your common core identifiers. We’ll also talk about the common core identifiers and do an activity about polarizing issues.

Students will be participating in a trivia game about all things local D.C., then engaging in a discussion about what it takes to make D.C. the 51st state, followed by a closing round of D.C. Statehood Trivia.

Journalism and media in the United States and Europe have historically aided in manipulating, disinforming, and gaslighting the public to accept injustice rather than speak out against it. Moving from our Nation’s capital to Palestine, this session seeks to empower young people to understand issues of censorship through a historical, contemporary, and anti-racist lens. Together, we will use the Western world’s coverage of violence against Palestinians as an example, resulting in open discussion and reflection that leaves us with one question: how should we talk about Palestine?

Exploring and identifying songs and artists in the hip-hop culture that speak to a wide range of mental health experiences related to depression, anxiety, substance abuse/recovery, and trauma. Students and facilitators will pick and play songs aloud before collective discussion amongst the group.

Students will be making their own poems, and learning about incorporating belonging and identity into poetry. Students will also learn about how poetry helped Maya Angelou find her voice.

Potluck for Peace is a collaborative painting workshop centered around the theme of diverse cuisines and shared meals across cultures, traditions, lived experiences, and histories. Food and the act of sharing a meal play a significant role in our human connection. The dining table or any communal setting where meals are shared is a space where conversations and productive dialogues can take place. Through the medium of painting, participants have the opportunity to express not only the visual aspects of various cuisines but also reflect the cultural and social connections that can be forged through this visual potluck.

This session will go over a brief history of Islam and will specifically dive deeper into Islamophobia.

Join us to discuss how male-identifying people are impacted by both fetishization and negative stereotypes based on their racial identity.

Our workshop will examine how the recent cases of police brutality and the BLM movement have impacted the attitudes and mental health of the black community. By looking at how these events occurred and the national reaction, we want to let people know that it harms more than just the people in those communities. We will use news clips, interviews, and activities to get people to understand and empathize with this serious issue.

In this session, will be actively learning about the rise of antisemitism through a slideshow and interactive games.

Participants will learn about black workers at the Polaroid company who, in the 1970s, staged an effective boycott that brought attention to American companies' investment practices in South Africa during apartheid. The boycott was part of the divestment movement that helped end apartheid.

The students will examine the artwork and portraits of Kehinde Wiley. Kehinde Wiley is an American artist best known for his portraits that render people of color in the traditional settings of Old Master paintings.

After examining his work, the students using ink pads and fingerprints will create portraits of social justice activists and organizers like MLK, Dorothy Height, Mary McLeod Bethune and Bayard Rustin.

 In our workshop, the nurses will discuss the services available to survivors of sexual assault in the District of Columbia. Using case studies, they will explore challenging scenarios around bodily autonomy, consent, and systems of power that affect patients when they seek a medical forensic exam after sexual assault.

In this workshop, students will explore themes from Isabel Wilkerson's Caste and Heather McGhee's The Sum of Us (adapted for middle school students) to understand how the legacies of segregation and discrimination continue to divide communities in the US and across the world.

We want to explore the intersections of bias, values, and research in the GDS community.

In this workshop, we will be diving into the plates of black culture from all around the world.

Students will engage in a discussion about the history of the Confederate flag, monuments, and memorials. Why do some people feel that they are an honor as part of their heritage and others find them a painful reminder of the past?