WE ARE ENOUGH. IN FACT, WE ARE EVERYTHING WE NEED.
Black Genius is intrinsic to every Black person. It’s limitless, luminous, full of possibility. Our mission is to build a world that honors and activates individual Black Genius by affirming, protecting, and caring for Black and Brown children through the love and wisdom of their families.
What We’re All About
Rooted in Blackness
We are unapologetically Black. Village of Wisdom exists to affirm and protect the inherent genius of Black children and communities. Our communities hold the wisdom for our individual and collective liberation.
A Culture of Radical Care
Our communities deserve care. We listen to the needs of communities and create space for Black parents to build joy and wellness. By helping parents rest from stress, they can build learning environments that affirm our children’s genius.
Dreaming as an Act of Liberation
Our dreams have the power to build a better world for our children. We bring our community together to inspire their radical imagination. These dreams become the research and tools that shape learning environments where children thrive.
Where Soul Meets Science
We believe in the power of knowledge that honors our humanity. Village of Wisdom’s programs combine the community’s radical imagination with rigorous research to create resources rooted in love and wisdom.
Multigenerational & Multidirectional Learning
Our communities are rich with wisdom. It flows from our children, elders, aunties, uncles, fathers, and mothers. Because communities have always been the architects of knowledge and affirmation, we learn from them and bring that wisdom back to the people.
2023 Impact Report
Our love and wisdom is powerful. We have a lot to celebrate! Together, we have created better learning environments, affirming the genius of thousands of children.
Our Team
Carlton Johnson
- Senior Wellness Manager
- Village Nurturer
Carlton Johnson is a passionate social worker based in Durham, NC, where he is deeply committed to nurturing and strengthening...
Randi Towns
- Treasurer
Randi Jones, a driven professional with over 10 years of experience in healthcare strategy and operations, is a senior associate...
Arssante Malone
- Director of Instructional Liberation
- De Alkhemist
As an educator, instructional coach, and school leader with international experience, Arssante Malone successfully utilized culturally relevant pedagogy, critical frameworks,...
Rashida James
- Director
Rashida James-Saadiya began as a volunteer and is now a Village of Wisdom board member. She is a cultural organizer,...
Beth Leigh
- Director of Development
- Village Miner
Beth leads Village of Wisdom’s fundraising and stewardship efforts. She enthusiastically develops and strengthens partnerships with Village of Wisdom staff,...
Cornell Watson
- Director
Cornell is an award-winning Black photographer who is passionate about telling Black stories. Cultural affirmation comes through the authenticity of...
Omari Akil
- Digital Tools Product Manager
- Mechanization Maven
Omari manages Village of Wisdom’s digital tool design and development processes. He works to ensure the technological resources provided to...
Aeran Baskin
- Director of Communications
- Village Storyteller
A lover of language and strategy, Aeran leads communications and storytelling at Village of Wisdom. Drawing on her experience as...