Matters of the Mind 2021

Join Us Virtually October 28!

Gateway Public Schools is thrilled to announce our 19th annual Matters of the Mind event "Dream Big Together, Prosper Together," featuring New York Times best-selling author Heather McGhee, Board Chair of Color of Change and author of the new book The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together. Join us Thursday, October 28 at 11:00 a.m. for a live Q&A with Heather about how we can all play a part in dismantling harmful racist structures and building a future that works better for everyone, and hear from Gateway students and teachers about how our schools are preparing the next generation to do just that.

Make a Gift to the Event

Support our Fund-A-Need

Ticket sales are closed! If you would like to be a part of this event please contact Community Engagement Manager Alexandria Wyllie.

*Please Note: This program is live only and recordings will not be available after the fact. Plan to view promptly at 11:00 a.m. on the day of the event to ensure you don't miss a moment!

About Heather

A renowned expert on the American economy, Heather McGhee is one of the most brilliant and influential thinkers exploring inequality today. Both her viral TED talk and her instant New York Times bestseller The Sum of Us reveal the devastating true cost of racism—not just for people of color, but for everyone. Deeply stirring, intelligent, and compassionate, McGhee’s talks offer us an actionable roadmap during one of the most critical—and most troubled—periods in history.

Watch Heather's Appearance on The Daily Show

Our Moderator, Ariana Proehl

Ariana Proehl is a writer, producer and host with a passion for investigating and understanding why we do the things we do. She is currently a producer and fill-in host for KQED’s flagship morning show, Forum. Ariana also created and launched KQED’s annual Youth Takeover, a week that showcases stories produced by local high school students, and served as co-director and co-curator of Berkeley’s former Women of Color Film Festival.

What Can I Expect?

Our streamlined virtual Matters of the Mind event allows you to enjoy this exciting program from the comfort of your living room!

A live and exclusive program with virtual seats reserved for you
Hear from our incredible Gateway students and teachers, as well as keynote speaker and author Heather McGhee
Live Q&A featuring viewer-submitted questions
Make an impact on public education, our students' futures and Gateway's graduates for years to come

Thank You To Our Community Sponsors!

Be a part of this incredible day by joining us as a sponsor! Sponsorship perks include priority opportunities to ask Heather questions, treats to help you enjoy the program from your home, and much more! Questions about becoming a sponsor? Email Chanda Lockhart, Director of Development and Outreach.

Learn More About Sponsorship

Connect with Us

If you have questions about this year’s event or how to get involved, please contact Alexandria Wyllie, Community Engagement Manager, at [email protected].