Hop Talks

Hop Talks is a series that enhances the community’s understanding of complex political and social issues, develops participants’ ability to engage in constructive dialogue and discussion, and encourages participants to collaboratively develop strategies to address issues that are important to them, and consider how these issues may affect the campus community.

Program Structure

Each event features 1–3 experts who will present differing perspectives on pressing issues such as the 2024 presidential election, identifying and combating misinformation, gentrification in Baltimore City, and other political and social challenges. After the presentations, participants will engage in facilitated small group conversations to delve deeper into the topics at hand, share their views, and collaboratively strategize solutions.

Upcoming Sessions

Fighting to Breathe: Featuring Author, Dr. Nicole Fabricant

Join the Center for Social Concern and the Office of Climate and Sustainability for a follow up discussion with Author Nicole Fabricant on her book Fighting to Breathe: Race, Toxicity, and the Rise of Youth Activism in Baltimore. We will explore the impacts of the Baltimore incinerator on the Curtis Bay community in South Baltimore, examining how toxic pollution has shaped the lives of residents and sparked a powerful youth-led activist movement.

To register, click here.

For more information on Hop Talks and other CSC events, click here.

Past Sessions

AI: Humans, Polarization, and Misinformation

In this Hop Talks, there was conversation with Dr. Ezekiel Dixon-Román, Professor of Critical Race, Media, and Educational Studies and Director of the Edmund W. Gordon Institute for Urban and Minority Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He discussed how racism affects AI development and its implications for diversity and inclusion in higher education, particularly in this election season. Our other guest, Dr. Ziang Xiao, Assistant Professor at the Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, addressed how AI contributes to political polarization and its effects on public discourse.

What is Project 2025?

In this Hop Talks, the conversation focused on understanding the context behind the Project 2025 document. Special guests included Dr. Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead, Professor at Loyola University and radio host of Today with Dr. Kaye; Joel Payne, a CBS News political contributor; and Dr. Lester Spence, Political Science Professor at Johns Hopkins University.

Voter Suppression

In this Hop Talks, students watched clips from the 1619 Project on voter suppression and continued the conversation with Dr. Keneshia Grant, Associate Professor of Political Science at Howard University, and Lawrence Grandpré, Director of Research at Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle.

Affirmative Action Impact at JHU

In this Hop Talks, attendees engaged in a thoughtful discussion about Affirmative Action and its impact at JHU. Participants shared their perspectives in a safe, open environment, all while enjoying a delicious hot dinner from local Baltimore caterer, The Empanada Lady.

A Different World

In this Hop Talks, attendees embraced the spirit of the ’90s by rocking their best throwback outfits while watching the A Different World episode, A World Alike. The episode delved into the significant topic of divestment from Apartheid-era South Africa in the 1990s, sparking thought-provoking discussions among attendees. To further enrich the experience, participants engaged in a conversation around the episode and explored an insightful article on divestment.

The nostalgic vibes continued with a selection of classic ’90s snacks, including pizza bagels, Push Pops, Dunkaroos, Ring Pops, and other fan-favorite treats. To top it off, the best-dressed attendees were awarded exclusive Center for Social Concern swag!

Fighting to Breathe: Book and Dinner Discussion

In this Hop Talks, attendees read Fighting to Breathe: Race, Toxicity, and the Rise of Youth Activism in Baltimore. Throughout the conversation, students discussed themes around trash incinerators and other polluting industries and the impacts they have on the South Baltimore community.

Learn about more Center for Social Concern programs.