Join us for a series of events brought to you by Stanford University's d.school (Design Institute) and Stanford Libraries, in collaboration with the Department of African, and African American Studies (AAAS). Milan Drake (Curriculum Designer, Speaker & Community Organizer at the d.school) will be in conversation with Dr. Cheryl Miller discussing "Black Power & Print" -- celebrating Stanford Libraries' Black Graphic Design History Collections Initiative, The Dr. Huey P. Newton Collection, and the Print on Purpose curriculum. 

About the Day's Events:

Meet Cheryl Miller at the Special Collections Open House to view the Black Graphic Design History Collections
     Where: Green Library, 2nd Floor, Barchas Room
     Time: 2:30-4:30 PM - Viewing of Collections

Come to a hands-on "Design Sprint" and  for the conversation about "Black Power & Print" with Milan Drake & Cheryl D. Miller
     Where: Green Library, 5th Floor, Bender Room
     Time: 5:30-6:15 PM - Design Sprint - a hands-on graphic design activity & demo
     Time: 6:30- 8:00 PM - Black Power & Print Discussion with Milan Drake & Cheryl D. Miller

Stanford, Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (aka the “d.school”) is proud to honor Cheryl Miller and to have her collection at the Stanford Libraries be one of the many components that students engaged with during our Fall 2023, “Print on Purpose” course – which will be a featured presentation at the South by South West (SXSW) Edu 2024 program.

Cheryl D. Miller's significant contribution to her design studio collection at Stanford University Libraries has inspired the initiative to gather collections that support the exploration and research of the history of Black graphic design. 

Designers, educators, and scholars – like the ones you will hear from – represent the type of designers that include exposing students to other Black graphic designers and artists, recognized for their pioneering work as a part of their conversation, curriculum, and convenings. These designers each bring diverse experiences and advocacy in both the industry and the academy that have led to their skills to be on full display in the classroom and on national stages.

About the speakers:

Milan Drake brings over 25 years of experience in community organizing and design. Milan’s educational journey and work have spanned communities of students, parents, and higher educational institutions, like Stanford, teaching courses like "Print on Purpose" to foster community-centered and Black-centered design as Community Design Lead at the d.school.

Cheryl D. Miller is celebrated for her efforts to document and promote the history of Black graphic design. Her contributions are crucial in building a comprehensive archive for research and education. Dr. Miller is the 2021 AIGA "Expanding Access" Medalist for her outsized influence within the profession to end the marginalization of BIPOC designers through her civil rights activism, industry exposé trade writing, research rigor, and archival vision. Miller is a national leader of Minority Rights, Gender, Race Diversity, Equality, Equity, and Inclusion advocacy in Graphic design.  She is the founder of the former Cheryl D. Miller Design, Inc., N.Y.C., a Social Impact Design firm; she is a designer, author, educator, trade writer for PRINT Magazine, and theologian.

Regina L. Roberts is the Head of the Social Science Resource Group and Collection Development Librarian for Anthropology, Communication & Journalism, and Feminist Studies. Regina is the lead collection development librarian for the Black Graphic Design History Collection at Stanford Libraries. 

This event is open to everyone interested in the intersection of design, history, and social justice—students, educators, activists, artists, community organizers, and designers. Join us in this vibrant discussion to celebrate and learn from the journeys of these remarkable individuals.

RSVP Today

Space is limited, so please RSVP to secure your spot. We look forward to welcoming you to this special event, where we will engage in meaningful dialogue, celebrate Black contributions to design, and explore innovative paths forward in the industry.