about us...
Kindred Knowledge is a nonprofit organization dedicated to holistic, culturally responsive educational services. We believe that education is a lifelong, evolving process that reflects the full humanity of learners and the realities of the world they live in.
In a time of political instability, educator burnout, and growing challenges to public education, there is a dire need for alternative ways to support our learners. Kindred Knowledge serves as a bridge between institutions, communities, and lived experience in a world that devalues the humanities such as art, history, and cultural studies. We work around systemic barriers to entry by centering learning that is affordable, culturally relevant, intellectually sound, and historically grounded. We support individuals, educators, and communities in engaging complex ideas and navigating challenging conversations with care, context, and critical thought.
Mission
To provide holistic, culturally responsive educational services that support lifelong learning, critical inquiry, and meaningful dialogue in a changing world.
Vision
We envision learning spaces that integrate intellectual, cultural, socioemotional growth for all. We want to create a future that affirms the essential role of the humanities in understanding ourselves and one another.
Values
We center diverse histories, identities, and perspectives, approaching education with humility, care, and accountability. Cultural competency is paramount to what we do. Education must make space for thoughtful dialogue around complex, contested, and often uncomfortable issues.
our founders
Put simply, we created Kindred Knowledge out of our love for both teaching and learning.
Having met as museum educators, we noticed the rapidly growing institutional, political, and socioeconomic barriers that continue get in the way of accessible, holistic humanities education. Our understanding of the educational landscape was gained first-hand through each of us having careers teaching diverse multigenerational audiences in the Philly area and beyond, hearing their concerns and struggles with how schools and larger institutions teach (or don't teach) their culture and identities. We led critical conversations with School District teachers, organizations, and community members and found it vital to expand our work to serve a larger audience, keeping with our philosophy that education must be boundless to be effective. Together, we bring a powerful combination of historical knowledge, humor, artistic practice, and pedagogical expertise that create dynamic and inclusive learning environments. Our commitment to media literacy, cultural inclusivity, and student empowerment makes us excited to facilitate educational sessions that inspire deep reflection and transformative dialogue.
With expertise in Black American History and education, Cherish T. Christopher challenges students to explore the intersections of history and art through close observation. Cherish uses the arts as a primary source to surface overlooked narratives, fostering critical engagement and encouraging students to think intentionally, critically, and creatively. Cherishholds a BA in History with a focus on History Education. Her work appears in the Journal of Multicultural Education, and she has presented on Black retention in museum spaces and identity in education at national conferences, including the National Art Education Conference and Adding Voices. Her favorite animal is the sloth,
As an artist and art educator, specializing in Black Material Culture, Tamia Alston-Ward guides students to examine the world through the lens of culture and identity. Using creativity as a tool to analyze institutions and media, Tamia challenges students to understand art as a tool for expression and an opportunity for critique. She has a BA in Fine Arts with a discipline in Drawing and Illustration. Her work has been featured in both solo and group exhibitions across the country. Alston-Ward has done speaking engagements and workshops at an academic level and at community organizations. Her favorite animal is the giraffe.
our philosophy
,
“Nea Onnim no sua a ohu”
When he who does not know learns, he gets to know
When he who does not know learns, he gets to know
We believe in education without bounds. Nea Onnim serves as a reminder that we all have more to learn, and that teachable moments are for both student and teacher.
Adinkra symbols are a rich visual language originating from the Akan people of Ghana, known for their cultural significance. These symbols can be found on textiles, pottery, and various artworks. These symbols range in meaning, from conveying complex messages like proverbs and wisdom to significant life events. Historically, the use of Adinkra symbols was restricted to royalty and spiritual leaders during important ceremonies, such as funerals, but their use expanded in the 19th century and is used widely among Afro-Diasporic people.
Cloth as Metaphor by G. F. Kojo Arthur
EBSCO