Unpacking the Forum’s Core: Cultural Preservation and Community Engagement ft. Chuck Smith.

by Itai Kuwodza

This episode feels like family at the dinner table! There is a deeply personal touch in the historical perspective on cultural preservation, given by Chuck Smith. Chuck shared the reality of growing up as one of the few Black individuals in his community and the education system. He sits in vulnerability with us as he reflects on the isolation and the determination it fostered within him, thanks to the strong-willed guidance of his father. He shares stories of his grandfather, a veteran of wars who carried unspoken traumas and the bitter legacy of being denied the right to bear arms due to racial prejudice.

Chuck's reflections shed light on the systemic obstacles that have historically blocked Black individuals from contributing fully to society, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of Black men and women throughout history. The session goes beyond a straightforward story of personal struggle as we delve deep to stress the urgent need for preserving cultural heritage and ensuring that the legacies of determination, resilience, and contribution by Black individuals are recognized and celebrated. Chuck's story was a call to action, urging the audience to acknowledge past injustices and do something about it!

Join us for laughs and moving monologues from Chuck and his son Shawn. These two masters, with words alone, intertwine personal history with the broader struggle for cultural preservation and community engagement, the forum's focuses.