Keynote Presenters
Christopher Emdin
Professor of Science Education & Author, and Minorities in Energy Ambassador for the Department of Energy
Christopher Emdin is the Robert A. Naslund Endowed Chair in Curriculum Theory and Professor of Education at the University of Southern California; where he also serves as Director of youth engagement and community partnerships at the USC Race and Equity Center.
He previously served as Director of the Science Education program at Teachers College, Columbia University and alumni fellow at the Hip-hop archive and Hutchins Center at Harvard University. He has served as STEAM Ambassador for the U.S. Department of State and Minorities in Energy Ambassador for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Dr. Emdin holds a Ph.D in Urban Education with a concentration in Mathematics, Science, and Technology; Masters degrees in both Natural Sciences and Education, and Bachelors degrees in Physical Anthropology, Biology, and Chemistry.
He is the creator of the #HipHopEd social media movement and Science Genius BATTLES. He was recently named one of the 27 people bridging divides in the United States by Time magazine.
He is the author of numerous award winning works including the award-winning book, Urban Science Education for the Hip-hop Generation and the New York Times bestseller, For White Folks Who Teach In the Hood and the Rest of Ya’ll too. His latest books Ratchetdemic: Reimagining Academic Excellence and STEM, STEAM Make Dream are currently available wherever books are sold.
Special Performances By:
jessica Care moore
jessica Care moore is an award winning world renowned poet, recording artist, advocate for youth literacy, book publisher, and actor. moore is the Executive Producer and Founder of the 19-year old rock & roll concert and empowerment weekend, Daughters of Betty – Powered by Black WOMEN Rock! and the Director of The Moore Art House.
moore is the author of The Words Don’t Fit in My Mouth, The Alphabet Verses The Ghetto, God is Not an American, and Sunlight Through Bullet Holes. Her fifth book, “We Want Our Bodies Back” published by HarperCollins in 2020 won the American Library Association Black Caucus Poetry Honor. Her first children’s book, Her Crown Shines and her sixth book of poems, No Dead Goats is in the works.
Moore captivated a national television audience in the 90’s when she won the legendary “It’s Showtime at the Apollo” competition a record breaking five times in a row — with a poem. moore’s poetry and voice is prominently featured on the 4th floor of the Smithsonian’s New National Museum of African American History. She is a proud Detroiter and lives in the city where she raises her 16-year old emerging artist son King.
Apropos
Apropos is an international recording artist and performer whose electric vocals and captivating stage presence have led to recognition from around the globe, including NBC’s The Voice, Pitchfork, Complex, NPR, Billboard and Elton John’s Rocket Hour.
The veritable vocalist has collaborated with a variety of notable artists, including Grammy nominated songwriter, composer & multi-instrumentalist Dave Wilder, ZelooperZ, Jon Connor, Black Noi$e, DJ Holographic, Bruiser Wolf, Isaiah Dreads, and more.
After releasing his debut album (Verse)atility in 2018, he received praise from music legends like Sir Elton John, Kem, and Allee Willis.
In 2022, Apropos released Spiritual Surgery and Simple with accompanying music videos, the first projects produced and distributed independently through his own label Apropos Entertainment.
Kenny Watson
Kenny Watson is a Motor City native, is carved out of musical excellence and is equipped with the message of love for one’s self, mankind and love for God. He performs with the versatility of refined vocals that span across the genres of R&B, Jazz, Alternative, Classical and Hip-Hop; comfortably and confidently offering a unique musical experience.
As a touring musician, Kenny has traveled the world from singing classical in Ireland to performing as an artist and Musical Director all over the United States. A well rounded performer, Kenny has performed with legendary Motown Artists as well as current artists like jessica Care moore and Mike E.
Kenny is also a facilitator of religious music experiences and traditions and has over 10 years’ experience in Broadway style performance having headlined the touring stage show, “The Cross and Light.”