Events › The Battle for the Black Mind: Author Dr. Karida L. Brown in conversation with Dr. Lakeysha "Key" Hallmon

In The Battle for the Black Mind, Dr. Karida Brown explores the struggle to define and control the education of African Americans amid shifting societal attitudes and forms of systemic exclusion. From the perspective of freed slaves seeking empowerment and liberation through education, to the white elites aiming to shape the future of the workforce and consolidate power, The Battle for the Black Mind explores the formation of segregated education systems and the influence of philanthropic organizations, religious institutions, and Black educators themselves in shaping these structures. It also examines the global reach of these education models, particularly their impact on African societies under colonial rule.

About the author:
Karida L. Brown is an NAACP Image Award-winning author and public intellectual. A professor at Emory University, Brown is a leading scholar of systemic racism and the study of Black life. Her work, which spans over a decade of groundbreaking research and analysis, has earned her both national and international acclaim. She is the author co-author of The New Brownies’ Book: A Love Letter to Black Families, continuing the legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois by centering Black narratives and empowering Black futures.

About the conversation partner:
Dr. Lakeysha “Key” Hallmon, EdD, is a mission-forward visionary, author, and social entrepreneur celebrated for her unique “Village Model,” renowned for its innovative structure and community-centered approach. Dr. Hallmon has expanded her mission with The Village Retail, a flagship retail store for Black brands. Dr. Key is the author of “No One Is Self-Made: Build Your Village to Flourish in Business and Life.” She has been recognized by esteemed publications such as Forbes, Inc. Magazine. Essence, Black Enterprise, CNN/HLN, the Today Show, and more. As a board member for Invest Atlanta, Dr. Hallmon continues to advocate for equitable opportunities within the business and affordable housing landscape. Dr. Hallmon serves on the Board of Trustees for Tougaloo College. Dr. Hallmon is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.