Presentation: Transforming Lives Through Myth: The Simplicity of it All – Sunday November 10th 2PM-4PM CST Via Zoom

Life is simple, it is living our lives that is complicated. Through snippets of myths and quotes, we will uncover a pattern that inspires us to live our lives with zest. Myths provide us with a road map to navigate our way through life. We will look at a few themes common in myth, and, if it is common in myth, chances are it is common in life.

Kwame Scruggs has over 20 years of experience using myth in the development of urban youth and adults. He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Mythological Studies with an emphasis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, California. In 1993, he was formally initiated into the Akan System of Life Cycle Development (African-based rites of passage).

Kwame is the founder and director of Alchemy, Inc., a non-profit located in Akron, Ohio. Since its inception in 2003, Alchemy has worked with over 2,000 youth and adults primarily in Northeastern Ohio. In 2012, Alchemy was one of 12 programs to receive the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award by the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities–the nation’s highest honor for after-school and out-of-school programs. Kwame accepted this award from First Lady, Michelle Obama, at the White House. In 2024, Alchemy started working with youth and adults in New York City.

In 2020, the Association of Teaching Arts (with Lincoln Center Education) presented Kwame with their Innovation in Teaching Artistry award. In 2016, he was one of three to receive the University of Akron’s Black Male Summit Legacy Award. In 2013, Pacifica Graduate Institute presented him with the initial Wendy Davee Award for Outstanding Service and contributions in the tradition of soulful service.

Kwame is also a board member of the Joseph Campbell Foundation and a graduate of the National Guild Community Art Educations CAELI (Community Arts Education Leadership Institute) Class of 2015.