Dara Moore Beevas ('02) will be the speaker for the 4th Annual Ida B. Wells Lecture . Dara is is the Chief Narrative Officer, African American Leadership Forum (AALF) -- see more in her bio below!

The topic: Time Traveling Blackness: Afrofuturism as a portal to Our Future Selves 

What does it mean to dream beyond the constraints of time and space? How can we use our imagination to shape not only the present but the futures we envision for ourselves and our communities? In this thought-provoking lecture, Dara Beevas invites us to explore Afrofuturism as a transformative lens—a portal that connects our ancestors’ wisdom, our present power, and the bold futures we dare to create.

Blending cultural insights, storytelling, and reflection, Dara will guide us through an exploration of Blackness as a time-traveling force—one that transcends the linear boundaries of history and places us in a position of infinite possibility. Together, we’ll unpack how Afrofuturism serves as both a framework for liberation and a tool for imagining ourselves as architects of the future.

This event is for students, dreamers, and innovators ready to see Black identity, creativity, and resilience as pathways to a thriving and abundant tomorrow. Come prepared to reflect, engage, and leave inspired to build futures worthy of our brilliance.

Dara Beevas’s Bio

Dara Beevas is a visionary storyteller, cultural leader, and advocate for transformative narratives. As the Chief Narrative Officer at the African American Leadership Forum (AALF), Dara is dedicated to amplifying Black voices and shaping spaces for storytelling that empower and inspire. She is also the co-founder and former CEO of Wise Ink Creative Publishing, where she has spent over 20 years coaching thought leaders, authors, and entrepreneurs to bring impactful stories to life.

An accomplished author, Dara’s work celebrates the richness of Black identity and culture. Her children’s book series, Li’l Queens, highlights the untold stories of real-life Black queens, inspiring young readers to embrace their heritage and power. She is also a sought-after speaker, known for her engaging lectures on the power of narrative, Afrofuturism, and the role of storytelling in shaping individual and collective futures.

Rooted in her passion for Black joy and abundance, Dara’s mission is to create a world where stories illuminate our collective power and potential. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband and two children, splitting her time between Minnesota and Jamaica, where she continues to build her legacy of creativity, community, and purpose.