Denver Speakers Announced
After a well received turnout that sparked a lot of conversations in St. Louis, Imperfect Pixels is headed to Denver to keep the momentum going. That is why Travis Sheridan has selected six outstanding community members for the Art & Series in Denver this summer.
Art & Justice : The Power of Reconciliation
While art helps restore the soul, we need to examine ways to also restore justice. Activists frequently use art to drive home important messages, and there are key leaders who have committed their lives to finding ways to make necessary impacts in how we rethink justice in a way that allows for dignity to exist. Travis will interview Tonoa Manuel and Barry Overton to explore the intersection of Art & Justice on Thursday, July 8th.
Tonoa Manuel was shaped by what she saw as a child and then environment she grew up in which allowed her to quickly see disparity and lack of equality. Quickly understanding that she was not alone in dealing with the struggles of self-esteem and self-love, she identified a need for those needing more support. She began working on herself as well as pouring back into the communities that made her who she is and the person she hoped to become. With over 10 years of experience in Project Management & Risk Mitigation, in the both the private and non-profit sector, Tonoa has taken the things that she has learned over time and built the foundation of SIYG Consulting Firm, an organization geared towards Mentorship, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Restorative Practice and so much more.
She enjoys connecting with her community in spaces that allow for growth and sustainability alongside authenticity, vulnerability, and integrity.
Barry Overton is a Real Estate Broker, and a Business Owner, with a 26 year background as a police officer. He worked as a detective and a neighborhood police officer. He is a member of the NAACP. He was also appointed to the Denver African American Commission, by Mayor Michael Hancock. And served as the Chair of that Commission. He continues to encourage the police and the community to engage in open dialogue to bridge the gap of between the two.
Art & Economy: The Power of Independence
The business of art and the art of business. Two areas that seem different, but are actually aligned. The Black community has struggled to build, sustain and transfer generational wealth — primarily due to systemic racism. This session focuses on steps we can all take to support, build, and drive economic independence among the Black community. Travis will interview Brandolon Barnett and Jice Johnson to discuss the intersection of Art & the Economy on Thursday, July 29th.
Jice Johnson is a U.S. Army veteran, mom of three, and business woman out of Denver, Colorado. Graduating Cum Laude with her Master’s Degree in Leadership from Amridge University, she has worked with small businesses and entrepreneurs to empower them to push past fear and streamline their business systems and practices. She has been recognized as one of Denver Business Journal’s Top 40 under 40 and has been featured in the Denver Urban Spectrum and 9 News. She now uses all of her knowledge to provide the Black community with the tools needed to end the racial wage gap and build inter-generational legacy.
Brandolon Barnett is an innovator, author, and entrepreneur. He helps build and lead products, initiatives, and partnerships that bring together tech and social impact to move resources to people who need them. He is currently head of Corporate Social Responsibility Industry Solutions in Salesforce.org's Philanthropy Cloud and leader of the Democratize Ventures investing and advisory initiative. He recently published Dreams Deferred: Recession, Struggle, and the Quest for a Better World
Art & Politics: The Power of Leadership
Leadership and art both rely heavily on influencing perspectives to change hearts, minds, and behaviors. Both art and politics are messy at times, but play a key role in the growth of our communities. This session will explore the roles power and influence play and ways the Black community can drive positive change. We will discuss the intersection of Art & Politics on Thursday, August 19th
Gloria Prioleau-Neal is well connected communications and public policy strategist with a strong emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion in the public and private sectors. As a former award winning journalist with over 3 decades of industry experience, she is intentional with regard to respecting differing perspectives. I am equally focussed on the intentionality of providing a safe space for those who want to obtain a better understanding around DEI. I am at ease initiating and continuing conversations with corporate executives, community leaders, neighborhood advocates and non-profit influencers around DEI issues. Well versed in crisis communication, news media story compilation, issues resolution, social media and proactive messaging especially for communities of color.
Regina Jackson is a co-founder of Race 2 Dinner, an organization that facilitates conversations with white women about systemic racism against Black, Indigenous and women of color (BIPOC) in an effort to push for real change in America. Their goal is to reveal what BIPOC women have always seen: white privilege and white women’s complicity with being part of — and benefitting from — a racist system. She was shaped by early memories of the beatings and horrific treatment of civil rights workers throughout the south, the Goodman, Chaney & Schwerner murders, the murder of Viola Liuzzo, the murder of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the murders of President John Kennedy and his brother Robert.
Save the dates:
Please note that in order to plan for appropriate social distancing, we will request people RSVP for these events.
