The future is now!  This conversation reimagines what education can look like when it centers Black student voices, interest, brilliance, and liberation. It challenges the traditional and classical teaching methods to reach students where they are. As part of the Freedom Lecture series we’ll learn, dream, and build toward a freer, Blacker future—one rooted in justice, joy, and community.

Location:

ThirdSpace Reading Room - 1464 E. 105th St. Cleveland, OH 44108

Monika Underhill

Monika Underhill is an educator and DJ based in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, who integrates DJing into her classroom to engage students with music, technology, and cultural history. Using equipment like the Pioneer DDJ-REV1 controller, she introduces students to the art of DJing, fostering creativity and technical skills. Her approach reflects a broader trend of incorporating hip-hop culture into education, aiming to connect students with contemporary cultural expressions. Through this innovative teaching method, Underhill empowers students to explore music production and performance, bridging the gap between education and modern cultural practices. You might also know her as @MUtheDJ on instagram.

Derrick Hollifield

Derrick Holifield is an accomplished educator and community advocate dedicated to fostering excellence and equity within communities of need. He is earning a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Harvard University. Derrick combines academic expertise with practical experience gained from his extensive tenure in various roles within the education sector. He holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Cleveland State University, where he specialized in Economic Development and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with a concentration in African American Studies, from Ohio University.

Leah Hudnall

Leah D. Hudnall is a nonprofit leader and founder of The Legacy Perspective, a civic consulting firm focused on advancing racial equity through storytelling, civic engagement, and strategic programming. She leads initiatives like Legacy LIVE and #mystoryisrealBlack: The Trolley Tour, which celebrate Black history and foster community connection in Greater Cleveland. With a background in philanthropy and civic strategy, Leah has held key roles at major foundations and public institutions, using her expertise to support mission-driven organizations. A proud third-generation Clevelander, she is deeply committed to education, health equity, and cultural preservation in her community.

Program Supporters: ThirdSpace Action Lab, Cleveland Freedom Dreams Coalition, The George Gund Foundation