Toni Morrison and the Question of Freedom
We’re incredibly excited to announce our partnership with Downtown First Thursdays! We’ll be hosting FREE lectures as part of their monthly programming. ✨🪩
Since we're partnering with DFT, we’re using Eventbrite as their official registration platform. Your ticket will only be valid if reserved through the Eventbrite page!! But we still wanted to share it with our Luma community since so many of you find us here. :)
✨RESERVE YOUR FREE TICKET HERE ✨
Note: Tickets are required for entry. Entry is first come, first served and not guaranteed. Doors open at 7:30pm.
✨ What does it really mean to be free—and how do we learn to imagine it?
Join Ato Quayson, Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and English at Stanford University, for a thought-provoking exploration of freedom through the novels of Toni Morrison.
Drawing on Beloved, Song of Solomon, and A Mercy, this lecture examines how Morrison’s characters wrestle with freedom in the aftermath of enslavement—not just as a legal status, but as something lived in the body and sustained by imagination.
Together, these stories offer a powerful, full-spectrum vision of freedom—one that speaks not only to Black history, but to how all of us might learn to live more fully and humanely. 📚
🕰 Event Details
What should I expect?
7:30-8:10 --> arrival & chats
8:10-8:50 --> lecture
8:50-9:30 --> q&a and more chatting
Who's invited?
Anyone with an interest in learning new things, meeting new people, and doing fun things on weeknights! Lots of people came solo to our last event, so don't be afraid to do the same—you’ll meet some awesome people!
What about parking?
There's no parking on-site, so we recommend street parking or using public transportation.
Do I have to be 21+?
Yes! This lecture is hosted at a bar that requires all occupants to be 21+.
Will this event be photographed or recorded?
Photos and short video clips may be taken for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to being photographed or recorded. We do not do full recordings of lectures at this time.
🔔 Stay in the Loop
I can't make it to this event. How do I stay updated for future events?
📧 Join our mailing list
📸 Follow our Instagram
How do I become a speaker?
Fill out this form and we'll reach out to you if we think your lecture is a good fit! 👉 Speaker form
🧾 Policies
What about accessibility?
We want our lectures to be as accessible as possible. Accessibility can vary depending on the space, so please research our specific venue to learn more about things like wheelchair access and service animal policies. If you have any accessibility needs not covered here, please email us at [email protected] and we’ll do our best to support you.
What about email updates?
By registering for this event, you’ll be added to the Big Brain mailing list and receive occasional updates about future lectures and events. You can unsubscribe at any time.
🧠 Community Guidelines
Big Brain events are designed to be welcoming, curious, and respectful spaces for learning and connection.
By attending, you agree to treat speakers, staff, venue employees, and fellow attendees with respect and to follow all venue rules and staff instructions.
Harassment, disruptive behavior, or excessive intoxication will not be tolerated. For the safety and comfort of everyone, Big Brain and the venue reserve the right to refuse entry or remove any attendee at any time, without refund, if behavior is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or disrespectful.
🍸 Alcohol & Safety
Depending on the venue, alcohol may be sold and served exclusively by the venue in accordance with California law. Big Brain is not responsible or liable for alcohol service, overconsumption, or any actions resulting from intoxication. By attending, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with a public indoor event and agree that you are solely responsible for your own conduct, safety, and transportation before, during, and after the event.
Thanks for supporting our growing mission! 🧠✨
*For any other questions or special accommodations, please email [email protected].
Presented by @intothestreetssf & @civic_joy_fund in partnership with @111minnagallery @natomacabana @theeastcut and @visityerbabuenasf
DFT is made possible by the generous contributions of Battery Powered (@thebatterysf), Bob and Randi Fisher, Chris Larsen (@chrislarsen.sf), Crankstart (@crankstartfoundation), Friend Family Philanthropic Fund, GAP Foundation (@gapinc), JPMorgan Chase & Co. (@jpmorganchase), Levi Strauss & Co. (@levistraussco), and Salesforce (@salesforce)