Bridging the Arts to Civil Rights History with Karyn Parsons and Dr. David Childs

About this event

Join the National Center for Civil and Human Rights for a free professional learning workshop featuring acclaimed professor, author, and filmmaker Dr. David Childs and actor, author, and activist Karyn Parsons (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Sweet Blackberry). Together, they will explore how literature, film, and history can help bring civil rights stories to life in today’s classrooms and communities. Designed for educators, homeschool groups, parents, school leaders, and community members, this interactive workshop includes guided discussions, writing activities, and practical teaching strategies. Drawing from Parsons’ Clouds Over California and Childs’ Escaping from Home, participants will leave with new resources and ideas for fostering meaningful conversations about history, justice, and cultural diversity. What You’ll Gain Classroom-ready lesson plans and educational resources Strategies for teaching civil rights history through literature and storytelling Tools for fostering inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments Historical context and research that support meaningful student engagement Ideas and activities that can be applied in classrooms, homeschool settings, and community programs Featured Speakers Karyn Parsons Actor, author, and activist Karyn Parsons is widely recognized for her role as Hilary Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. She is also the founder of Sweet Blackberry, an organization dedicated to sharing stories of unsung Black historical figures through books and films. Dr. David Childs Dr. David Childs is a professor, author, filmmaker, and researcher whose work centers on African American history, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and social justice education. His scholarship and creative work explore innovative ways to connect historical learning with contemporary issues.