Course summary
At the heart of every revolution lies a simple act: the daring to dream of a world radically different from the present. "Cultural Architecture: Building Afrocentric Realities" is an immersive online course crafted to empower you with the ability to not just dream but architect new realities—realities where our African descent and diasporic identities are not just acknowledged but celebrated as the bedrock of societal progress.
In a world where mainstream narratives often overshadow the rich tapestry of African and Afro-diasporic cultures, there lies a powerful opportunity to reshape the stories we tell about ourselves and our communities. Inspired by the freedom dreams of our predecessors, this course invites you to explore, design, and build Afrocentric realities that honor our heritage, reflect our identities, and empower future generations.
Your Path to Becoming a Cultural Architect
Over four immersive weeks, you will journey through the process of defining the worlds you wish to inhabit and aligning your current reality to match these visions. "Cultural Architecture: Building Afrocentric Realities" will equip you with the tools and perspectives needed to challenge cultural hegemony and craft counter-narratives that uplift and inspire, and infuse Afrocentric sensibilities into everyday life.
Why this course?
Just as architects craft spaces that influence how we live, move, and feel, cultural architects shape the narratives, values, and visions that define our collective existence. This course is grounded in the belief that by reclaiming and reimagining our stories, we can construct a more authentic, liberated future.
"Cultural Architecture: Building Afrocentric Realities" will challenge you to view existence as a perpetual act of world-making, aligned with the energies of our wildest dreams. You will explore the ways in which people of African descent have shaped and continue to shape the world, and you will emerge with the frameworks to create positive social and cultural shifts in your life and community.
What to expect
You'll dive deep into the practices of Afrocentric worldbuilding, learning:
- Living with Purpose: Learn to navigate and reshape the world by using your life and work as a canvas for Afrocentric visions. Get clear on your unique gifts and the role you hope to play as an agent of change.
- Afrocentric Values, Aesthetics and Worldviews: Kindle a deeper understanding of Afrocentric sensibilities, drawing from a well of intergenerational wisdom to inspire a progressive ethos for future generations.
- Crafting Counter-Narratives: Master the art of weaving narratives that challenge mainstream perceptions, laying the groundwork for stories, spaces, and systems that reflect our diverse identities and aspirations.
- Practical Skills for Everyday Transformation: Equip yourself with tools, tactics, and techniques for integrating Afrocentric principles into daily life, from social life and systems design, to art and everyday interactions.
Taught by Uzoma Orji and Anwulika Okonjo, this course unfolds across weekly sessions on Thursdays, blending live discussions, hands-on workshops, and self-paced video lessons. Each lesson is designed to introduce key concepts and foster an environment of active learning and practical application, ensuring participants not only grasp key principles but also apply them creatively in their contexts.
The course focuses on:
- Self-paced Video Lessons
- Live Discussion Sessions
- Hands-on Workshops
- Curated Resources & Workbook
- Community Discussion Space