From the Archives
These videos capture moments of dialogue and reflection that speak to the institute’s values and ongoing work—ideas that continue to inform our collective learning, creativity, and connection to community.
A Sankofa Conversation on Structural Racism and Climate Justice
This Sankofa Conversation Series panel, moderated by Dr. Tony Van Der Meer and Dr. Keith Jones, brought together scholar-activists and practitioners to explore the intersections of climate justice and structural racism. Featured speakers included Myriam Dondzina of The Nature Conservancy, Mea Johnson of the Indigenous Environmental Network, and historian Robin D. G. Kelley of UCLA.
The discussion invited the campus community to examine how environmental, social, economic, and public health crises are deeply connected, and to consider strategies for building broader, more coordinated engagement around these issues. Founded in 2020 and supported by the Sustainable Solutions Lab and the Barr Foundation, the Sankofa Series continues to foster critical dialogue on justice and sustainability.
Local Food in Decatur
This archival video, filmed over 15 years ago, captures an early chapter in Decatur’s farm-to-school journey. It features interviews with Chef and Yeah! Burger owner Shaun Doty, City Schools of Decatur Director of Nutrition Allison Goodman, and Oakhurst Community Garden Youth Programs Manager Myriam Dondzina, as they share reflections on bringing local foods into schools, restaurants, and the wider community. Their insights remind us of a time when the movement for healthy, sustainable eating was just beginning to take root in Decatur. Looking back, this video offers a humble glimpse into the collaborative spirit and hopeful vision that helped lay the foundation for today’s growing farm-to-school and community food initiatives.
Unbiased Topics: Appearance/Presentation & Work Ethic
This archived episode of the Between Us & Y’all podcast features a warm and insightful conversation with Myriam Dondzina and her son Azariah Richardson, one of the early mother-son duos to join hosts Jaasmeen Hamed and Nafees Hassan in exploring the art of open communication between Mamas and their young adult sons.
Together, they reflect on themes of appearance, presentation, and work ethic—how values are passed down, questioned, and redefined across generations. Recorded during the first season of the show, this episode captures the honesty, laughter, and love that make Between Us & Y’all so relatable. Looking back, it remains a beautiful example of how candid dialogue can strengthen bonds, celebrate individuality, and help families grow together with grace and understanding.
Riqueza e Beleza: Black Sustainability in Brazil
This session celebrates the resilience and creativity of Afro-Brazilians, who make up an estimated 91 million people and continue to preserve their ancestral heritage through daily practices rooted in sustainability, community, and spirituality. Drawing from generations of cultural knowledge, Afro-Brazilian communities model holistic approaches to environmental stewardship, agriculture, health, education, and cooperative economics.
Their art and music sustain these values, inspiring new generations to honor their identity and impact. Presenters Myriam Dondzina, Niyi Tokunbo Mon’a Nzambi, Sueli Conceição, Andre Duarte, and Naomi share insights into the courageous self-determination and enduring contributions of these vibrant communities.
Places and Voices of America the Beautiful: Cities and Biodiversity
This archived event from the Half-Earth Project® series, “Places and Voices of America the Beautiful: Cities and Biodiversity,” held on May 20, brought together leaders in urban conservation including Myriam Dondzina, Amy Rosenthal, Deja Perkins, and Robert McDonald, moderated by Joel R. Johnson. The conversation explored how cities—often seen as centers of heat, inequity, and habitat loss—can also become spaces of renewal that nurture biodiversity and community resilience.
With over 60% of the world’s population projected to live in cities by 2030, the panel discussed how urban areas can serve as vital grounds for ecological innovation and equity-centered environmental planning. From neighborhood-level citizen science to national conservation strategies, this dialogue highlighted the interconnectedness of people and nature, emphasizing that thriving cities and thriving ecosystems must grow together.
Espetáculo "Brasil Terreiro" recebe Grupo Nzinga
Este registro faz parte da circulação virtual do espetáculo “Brasil Terreiro”, uma celebração das danças, cantorias e memórias que o Grupo Cupuaçu vem cultivando há quase meio século. Fruto do 28º Fomento à Dança para a Cidade de São Paulo, o projeto visita, mesmo que à distância, comunidades dançantes em São Paulo, no interior e no Maranhão, trocando histórias, vídeos e saberes.
Construído a partir de diálogos com grupos contemporâneos, povos indígenas e artistas de diferentes origens, o Brasil Terreiro revela um Brasil plural, ancestral e vivo. Nesta edição, o Grupo Nzinga chega ao quintal do Cupuaçu para compartilhar este encontro de corpos, ritmos e territórios – um convite à festa, à memória e à presença.