Description

                          Course Description
Black Founders of the United States of America

Summary: What is the primary reason for this virtual class?
It’s time to expand the traditional narrative of slavery to include the
truth about Black men, women, and families who served as
co-architects of the United States of America as free people.
Additionally, it is imperative to understand how descendants of
enslaved people have sacrificed and persevered to reconnect with
ancestral roots in Meritah (Africa).

Goals and Objective: Indigenous cultural rites of passage were erased
and/or stolen from Afrikans in America during slavery. This course will
guide and support participants in reclaiming ancestral wisdom that had
been lost or concealed in secret societies.

Who is this class intended for? This course is designed for parents,
teachers, professors, administrators of service providers, government
officials, civic and advocacy organizations, K-12 schools, community
colleges, universities, activists, and any organization that is eager to
discover a more comprehensive version of American history.

Eligibility Criteria: This course is open to everyone, with a specific
focus on those who have historically borne the brunt of racism and
systemic oppression. We provide affinity spaces upon request to
ensure everyone feels included and heard.

Frequency, Duration, Time of Day, Virtual: Zoom, 1 day per week,
10-week term, 90 – 120 minutes per class with a break

Cost: $350 or 10 Weekly Payments of $40

ShenmiAkhu Pernebsati – Bio

Shenmiakhu Pernebsati’s journey began in Oakland, California, a
city grappling with the challenges of the crack era, earthquakes, fires,
and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. But he was not defined by these
circumstances. He was raised in a family deeply rooted in social justice
and public health. His father, an Assistant to the Mayor of Oakland,
organized the community against police brutality in his own home. His
mother, a doctor who graduated from the University of California
Berkeley, instilled in him a love for learning and a passion for making a
difference in his community. For the past 25 years, ShenmiAkhu is
humbled to have initiated various cultural rites of passage to reconnect
with his ancestors, history, and name stolen through the middle passage
of slavery.

Shenmiakhu’s global perspective was significantly shaped by his
international experiences. He learned Spanish as a second language by
traveling to Spain, Cuba, and Mexico. He taught at the University of
Mexico (UAEH) and is currently a college professor in California. He joined
World Learning, Inc. with the Experiment in International Living
language immersion program, where he lived with a host family in
Granada, Spain, and studied Spanish at a nearby language institute. His
attendance at the World Aids Conference in Barcelona, hosted by former
Presidents Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela, was a testament to his
global engagement.

ShenmiAkhu’s educational and professional journey is a testament
to his commitment to continuous learning and growth. He earned a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and Public Policy from Houston
Baptist University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the School for
International Training. ShenmiAkhu studied international business at the
University of Havana, Cuba, and later shared his knowledge by teaching
Harvard Business Case Studies at Oregon State University and the
University of Delaware. His graduation from the Business Evolution
Program, sponsored by the Greater Los Angeles African American
Chamber of Commerce, indicates ShenmiAkhu’s dedication to
constantly evolving