2021/22: Reimagining Social Justice and Racial Equity with adrienne maree brown

adrienne maree brown is a writer, podcaster, facilitator, abolitionist and movement mediator who inspires communities to move collectively towards liberation, solidarity and change. Rooted in her ancestry, study of nature and practices as a doula, adrienne has helped usher in new and more equitable modes of facilitation that focus on healing, trust and joy.

As the writer-in-residence at the Emergent Strategy Ideation Institute and the author of multiple bestselling books, adrienne draws inspiration from sources as varied as poetry, science fiction, forests and ancestors—all while prioritizing the voices of Black, Indigenous and people of colour. Uniquely, adrienne’s work speaks to the “how” of designing social justice movements. Her book Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds, for example, centres around learning and developing models for action, community strength and transformation. In Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good, she emphasizes the importance of radical self and community care in movement building. In We Will Not Cancel Us: And Other Dreams of Transformative Justice, she writes about the tensions that exist between proponents and critics of cancel culture, seeking pathways to accountability that continually reflect the values of impacted communities.

Overall, adrienne embodies the principles of dialogue in all that she does, bringing together many voices, stories and perspectives to the table. She helps networks and communities examine the root causes of their struggle, and seeks to move their foundational patterns and cultural dynamics toward positive transformation. As our society deals with emergent patterns of change each day, adrienne acts as an artful (re)-connector, continuously supporting transformative systems-change with unlimited compassion, curiosity and creativity.

Public Events

Award Ceremony
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
We honoured adrienne and her work in shaping the art of dialogue to create societal change. 

Public Reading and Dialogue on Octavia Butler and the Future
Friday, March 4, 2022
A conversation with five scholars focused on science fiction writer Octavia Butler.

Private Events

Reimagining Radical Futures for Black & Indigenous Peoples
Thursday, March 3, 2022
This invitation-only dialogue, grounded in teachings from Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds, included Black and Indigenous scholars, activists and practitioners from all around Metro Vancouver.

Braving Spaces: An Afternoon with adrienne maree brown
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Centering the conversation around dialogue, this was a private event for the Centre's staff, faculty and fellows.

Octavia Butler Scholar's Retreat
Friday, March 4, 2022
Facilitated by adrienne maree brown, this was a private event for adrienne’s chosen cohort of scholars.