On Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 11:00 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST, the Dr. Edna B. McKenzie branch of ASALH presents an exciting and informative discussion led by Anita D Russell, Founder/CEO of The Place to SOAR and VP of Media Relations for the Branch. Anita considers the evolution of the word “genius” and its connection to the whitewashing of Black genius. This community conversation includes a discussion of eugenics and hereditary misconceptions, race and intelligence in education, and the false belief of the intellectual superiority of one race over another. “The Genius is CommonTM Movement is about tearing down the Berlin Wall of the word genius.”

— Bruce George, Founder of the Genius is Common Movement, Co-Founder of Def Poetry Jam on HBO