(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Summer Studio is an extension of the Art of Social Justice professional development program - meant to inspire teachers over the course of three days - from August 12-14, 2025, to reimagine the history in their backyard, explore Greek Mythology, and to indulge in creative expression.
The event will open with guest speaker, Sheikia “Purple” Norris, an educational Hip-Hop consultant, whose flavorful vibe and certifiable educational experience is a win-win for the classroom.
The Art of Social Justice Summer Studio is a collaborative concept conceived by the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center, Two River Theater, and Project Write Now to enlighten and encourage diversified curriculum development through culturally enriched discussion, best practices, and the sharing of ideas to extract the best outcome.
“Education has the power to transform minds, lives, and ultimately, society,” said Gilda Rogers, executive director of the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center, and history professor at Brookdale Community College. “Education is our salvation. And as teachers we’re always seeking new and innovative ways to inspire our students to understand the world they live in and their valuable role in it.”
The event is In-Person at T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center & Two River Theater in Red Bank, New Jersey.
The three-day program consists of morning and afternoon sessions with an hour-long break for lunch.
Tuesday, August 12 from 9:00am – 2:00pm. The day kicks off at the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center with Hip Hop-Based Educational Consultant Sheikia “Purple” Norris and continues in the afternoon exploring History in Our Backyard, focusing on the life and work of T. Thomas Fortune, Dr. Walter McAfee, and William “Count” Basie.
Wednesday, August 13 from 9:00am – 2:00pm. The program changes locations to Two River Theater for Unlocking Creativity and Exploring Social Justice through Greek Mythology with actress, singer, author, and arts educator Alexandra Silber (multiple Broadway, West End, Regional theater credits), and continues with Poetry and Expressive Writing with Project Write Now.
Thursday, August 14 from 9:00am – 2:00pm. Devoted to collaboration and shared Best Practices by participants in the morning, and dedicated time for Curriculum Development in the afternoon.
Register online here or contact Jennifer Chauhan at [email protected]. They do accept purchase orders for the $175 cost of the three-day session. There’s an Early-Bird special, if you register by August 1 (with a code) and for returning teachers you will receive a $25 discount on the fee. Scholarships are also available and limited.
A continental breakfast is included, along with discounts from all three organizations. Curriculum guides and resources will be given to all attendees, along with professional development credits.
Project Write Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization transforming individuals, organizations, and communities through the power of writing.
The mission of the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center is to uphold the social justice and civil rights legacy of T. Thomas Fortune through education, the arts, public programming, and community outreach.
Two River Theater creates great American theater by developing and producing new works and world masterpieces that most richly direct our gaze to the life of the human spirit. They cultivate an audience that cherishes the intimate joy of theater, enriched when shared by a community of others.
