Long Live Our Four Billion-Year-Old Mother” is a lecture series offered at Stanford University this quarter through the Institute for Diversity in the Arts. The series is led by professors Alan Holt and Jakeya Caruthers, both respected voices in their respective fields. In my recent conversation with them, they shared insights into the driving factors behind creating this unique conversational forum.
The main aim of the lecture series is to stretch the boundaries of imagination and to explore the concept of a world “otherwise.” The idea is to envision a world unbound by the constructs of borders, devoid of the necessity for incarceration, and free from the specter of climate collapse.
The series has welcomed artists from numerous domains engaged in radical storytelling and organizing, covering essential topics such as police abolition, community mothering, and indigenization. These discussions are not meant to be mere academic exercises but aim to challenge existing thought structures and generate new perspectives actively.
Holt and Caruthers express that the knowledge drawn from these forums can be a significant driving force towards conceiving and ultimately achieving this “otherwise” world. The lectures are designed to ignite the collective imagination of attendees and encourage them to think beyond the confines of traditional societal structures.
This collaborative exploration of such critical themes underscores the importance of diversity in intellectual dialogue and the power of interdisciplinary learning. The course is a testament to Stanford’s commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment that actively encourages innovative thought.
As of the time of writing, the “Long Live Our Four Billion-Year-Old Mother” lecture series continues to incite thought-provoking conversations about reimagining the societal structures that we live within. The series stands as a testament to the value of diversity in academia and the transformative power of radical storytelling.
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