Sep 24th EVENT: A Vessel Born to Float

Yazmin Monét Watkins is a poet, comedian, writer, actress, educator, and organizer whose body of work weaves art and activism, exploring the intersection of race, gender, sexuality, self-love, and all things Black Girl Magic. A Posse scholar and a graduate of Dickinson College, Watkins' work can be seen on NBC's Grand Crew and Comedy Central, alongside Paul Downs, Lucia Aniello, and the all-Black female comedy group, Obama's Other Daughters. Watkins serves as the co-chair of the Arts & Culture committee for Black Lives Matter Los Angeles. Once, Beyoncé said she liked her hair.

Melina Abdullah is Professor of Pan-African Studies at Cal State LA’s College of Ethnic Studies, Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter - Los Ángeles and Black Lives Matter Grassroots, where she is also Director. She is a leader in the California Faculty Association (the faculty union), both locally and statewide, and mama of three. Dr. Abdullah earned her Ph.D. from University of Southern California in Political Science and her B.A. from Howard University in African American Studies. Abdullah has authored numerous articles and book chapters. Known by the moniker, Doc Melly Mel, she is creator, host, and producer of the radio programs Move the Crowd on KPFK 90.7 FM and This Is Not a Drill! on KBLA Talk 1580, and is a recognized expert on race, gender, class, and social movements. In April 2024, Abdullah was announced as vice-presidential pick for Dr. Cornel West in his run for president of the United States on a platform of “Truth, Justice, and Love.” She is the first Muslim to run for the vice-presidency.