Pedagogy Study Hall: Community Advocates in Conversation with Nia K. Evans of the Boston Ujima Project November 20, 2025 6PM–8PM CADVC Dr. Meleny Thomas, South Baltimore Community Land Trust, and Lawrence Grandpre, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, in conversation with Nia K. Evans, Boston Ujima Project. The Boston Ujima Project is a democratic, member-run organization building a cooperative business, arts, and investment ecosystem, with the mission of returning wealth to working-class communities of color. The event will be held at the gallery of the Center for Art Design and Visual Culture at UMBC, on the first floor of the Fine Arts building. Refreshments will be served. About Lawrence Grandpre Lawrence Grandpre uses his 15 years of research and policy advocacy experience to work with community organizations and researchers to produce research and drive social change toward community self-determination. Working with the LBS Director of Public Policy, he supports the organization’s legislative advocacy efforts by producing research focused on evaluating best practices for policies that empower community decision-making and control of resources on topics ranging from policy accountability to reparations for the War on Drugs. He employs African-centered research techniques to produce research and consult on projects with partner organizations, challenging traditional methodologies by centering community expertise on topics such as the impacts of media depictions of gun violence and the effects of drug criminalization. He also applies analysis rooted in African-centered concepts of health to produce reports and op-eds that challenge public health orthodoxy and champion liberatory methodologies of service provision, addressing issues like grassroots violence prevention and harm reduction/substance use disorder. He has produced over 70 podcasts on a variety of local, national, and international topics and uses his experience to support community organizations engaged in social justice organizing. Lawrence Grandpre About Meleny Thomas Meleny Thomas, PhD, is Executive Director of the South Baltimore Community Land Trust. SBCLT is committed to development without displacement and a just transition to Zero Waste. Under her leadership, SBCLT sold its first home this year and is preparing to complete six more permanently affordable homes, advancing development without displacement and long-term community stability. SBCLT’s work has been featured in National Geographic, NPR, Baltimore Banner, and more. Meleny has been recognized as a Baltimore Magazine Game Changer, Baltimore Business Journal 40 under 40 Honoree, and Neighborhood Design Center Community Advocate of the Year. Dr. Meleny Thomas, South Baltimore Community Land Trust About Nia K. Evans Nia K. Evans is Executive Director of the Boston Ujima Project, a member-run cooperative building solidarity economies through cultural and financial infrastructure. With a background in education and policy, Evans’s work emphasizes facilitation, access, and democratic participation. She is editor of the forthcoming Pedagogy Study Hall publication. Nia K. Evans, Executive Director, Boston Ujima Project Learn more about Tomashi Jackson and Nia K. Evans: Pedagogy Study Hall View Exhibition Visitor Information For links to maps, directions, and parking information, visit: cadvc.umbc.edu/visit-us Our exhibitions and events are free and open to the public for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University’s nondiscrimination policy. If you need specific accommodations at one of our events, whether in person or online, or to experience an exhibition, please contact CADVC at cadvc@umbc.edu or 410-455-3188 as soon as possible.
