Racial Justice MasterClass

Racial Justice Initiative Event at the Guthrie Theater

Racial Justice MasterClass

The popular Racial Justice MasterClass program offers virtual educational sessions and community events that engage organizations and individuals in learning more about historical recovery as it relates to the present day. Educational sessions and event gatherings are available three times a year during Black History Month, Juneteenth, and in the fall.

MasterClass will illuminate, celebrate, and challenge our notions of history and our understanding of the contemporary moment as it relates to racial justice. Any class you attend is certain to advance your learning through dynamic conversation and experiences and make a greater impact in our world.

Contact Us

For any questions about the RJI, please email us at rji@stthomas.edu.

"Thank you, Dr. Yohuru Williams, for your amazing gift of teaching historical and contemporary black history to our Delta Dental of MN team members! Your presentations are bar none and we are excited for the continued partnership and learning journey!"

–Kathie Eiland-Madison, Chief Engagement and Inclusion Officer, Delta Dental

People at Buffet Table in Guthrie Theater Event Space

AfterClass Social Events

AfterClass events are in-person opportunities to meet Dr. Williams and others committed to racial justice in our community while enjoying appetizers and refreshments. The formats vary and include conversations with prominent leaders, art exhibits, and musical or theatrical performances.

Don't miss these transformative experiences

How To Participate

Corporate Partners

Email for pricing and details.

Join us as a corporate partner and receive the following benefits:

Unlimited participants from your organization may attend the MasterClass education session and AfterClass social
Sponsorship of non-profit leaders, educators, and other racial justice community leaders to attend free of charge
Logo and verbal recognition in the MasterClass education session and AfterClass social, as well as credit on the Racial Justice Initiative website
Opportunity to have presence at AfterClass social, if desired

Community Members, Non-Profit Leaders and Educators

Email for pricing and details.

Thanks to the generous support of our corporate partners, we are pleased to offer complimentary registration to community leaders, non-profit leaders, educators, and other individuals to attend virtual MasterClass sessions and AfterClass socials.

Staying in the Race: Black History, Black Athletics, and the Work of Endurance

Wednesday, February 4
Noon — 1 pm
Virtual

This Master Class uses Black athletics as a lens to reconsider the deeper meaning of Black History Month at its centennial moment. Guided by Carter G. Woodson’s call for education that begins with life as it is and makes it better, the session explores how Black athletes have navigated exclusion, exploitation, protest, and possibility—often carrying the hopes of entire communities on their backs.

Using sports as both metaphor and mirror, this session examines how Black athletes have expanded opportunity while exposing persistent inequities, and how historical recovery allows us to see the road still ahead.

Participants will engage Black history as a long-distance race—marked by moments of triumph, fatigue, resistance, and renewal—and consider how historical recovery helps us understand both the cost and the promise of staying in the race.

A celebration of our heroes - black athletes: People who inspire people who inspire us

Thursday, February 5
5:30 — 7:30 pm
Lee and Penny Anderson Arena, University of St. Thomas

Featuring Tony Sanneh, former professional soccer player.

Additional Learning Opportunities

The RJI provides a wide expanse of educational experiences including these learning pathways.

Yohuru Williams Speaking with Jim Bear Jacobs

Strategic Partnerships

Strategic partnerships are special opportunities for organizations to work intimately with Dr. Yohuru Williams and the Racial Justice Initiative team to achieve specific learning objectives and overall organizational goals related to diversity and racial justice. Dr. Williams immerses himself in your organization's history, industry, and mission to inform and tailor his work.

MasterClass Attendees Listening to Speaker

Professional Development

Dr. Williams can provide professional development courses to corporations, non-profit organizations, schools, and community groups. These presentations address current events related to racial justice, historical moments and events, and more.

Dr. Yohuru Williams Giving a MasterClass

American Black History Education

Educational speaking events on Black History in the United States are given by Dr. Williams, who is a nationally-acclaimed historian with over 30 years of experience in education. These events are certain to inspire, engage, and educate all audiences.

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