ITAV is founded upon three understandings:

1.Race is a construct. However, the experience of “blackness” is institutionally (systemic), structurally, interpersonally and personally (internalised) prevelant and as long as black bodies are politicised, racialised and perceived as black, there is a need for this collective to be a safe space to land, for joy, for community.

2. Ubuntu: Xhosa word meaning a person’s humanity is always bound to others. We are all connected and there is power in the overcoming of division. We build bridges not walls and are collectively contributing to this experience.

3. “It takes a village to raise a child” – African proverb. It requires a community to create a healthy and safe environment, for a child to flourish and realise thier hopes and dreams. We all play a role in the village, there is no hierachy we are interdependent. Thank you Deepa Iyer for illustrating the village mentality so well.

ITAV is a hub for black* leaders to centre joy & exchange proactive solutions.
We believe in microcosmic impact, for monumental change.
Meaningful change takes time, welcome to the long game. #VillageTingz