African-centered | Strategic Planner | Storyteller | Educator
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Dr. Elisha Hall works to enhance the lives of African descendant peoples (ADP) through African-centered praxis that centers African culture and history. The African and Indigenous Knowledge Institute (AIKI) works to disseminate culturally-centered methods, practices, curricula, facilitation styles, strategic planning, and project management for individuals, families and organizations. In addition, we provide technical assistance, food and nutrition education, business development, and consulting for nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and social enterprises.
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AIKI Includes the following:
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Participatory-action research (PAR)
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In-person and virtual support for educators
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Nutrition literacy and education
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Kemetic meditation workshops and other community wellness strategies to address mental health, stress and trauma
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Arts-based youth and family development
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Digital and physical archiving of local cultures, sacred spaces, and traditions
Scope of Work
Nutrition Education
Provides nutrition literacy and education materials, workshops, and presentations for youth and adults.
Strategic Planning
Supports youth and adults with impact business and non-profit innovation.
Healing Arts
Offers mindfulness resources that teach youth and adults about meditation and yoga.
Multimedia Production
Musical producer, graphic designer, photographer, videographer, and sound engineer.
Ph.D.
Earned in December 2020 with a focus on using African-centered storytelling for healing generational trauma.
Archiving & Storytelling
Former Vice President of ASE: The Chicago Association of Black Storytelling.
Work Samples
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Podcasts, Videos, and Music
Check out my latest passion projects.
Last Album (2023)
Next Project
Current Entities & Projects
Work I am excited about.
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African and Indigenous Knowledge Institute (AIKI)
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The African and Indigenous Knowledge Institute is a educational center that bridges African-centered praxis with the histories of African and Indigenous communities. We then help others do the same.
Ananse Cultural Keepers
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Ananse Cultural Keepers is a cultural arts organization in Chicago. Ananse aims to use storytelling, music, and creative arts to engage youth across the African diaspora.
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BeUs​
BeUs os an education service that disseminates African-centered books, kits, and other products.
Dr. Elisha Hall is a community educator and village builder. Elisha restores African healing legacies that have always accompanied African resistance and self-determination. He is the founder of the African and Indigenous Knowledge Institute (AIKI), a local bridge that developments institutions through interactive educational platforms and individualized diversity and inclusion support. Most recently, Elisha worked as the African American Engagement Director at Compassion & Choices, where he built national advocacy campaigns regarding equity in end-of-life planning and care. Currently, Dr. Hall is a consultant on the Austin Food Ecosystem Initiative with Bethel New Life in Chicago, Illinois.
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Since 2012, Dr. Hall has worked to feed and serve individuals without homes and food in Chicago, Illinois. In 2014, he managed the Health Food Hub, a farmers market and food system operated by the Black Oaks Center for Sustainable Renewable Energy. In 2016 Dr. Hall worked with members of Englewood and the broader Chicago community to establish the Ujamaa Community Land Trust - an effort to support the development urban farms and affordable housing. That same year, he was selected for the 2016-2017 Black Land and Liberation Initiative, anchored by BlackOUT Collective, and Movement Generation: Justice and Ecology Project. In 2022, Dr. Hall worked as Director of Social Enterprise at the North Lawndale Employment Network. He worked to provide food justice literacy and food donation programs for residents and families. In 2023, he was one of 11 national leaders chosen for the REDF Accelerator cohort.
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Dr. Hall received his Ph.D. in Policy Studies in Urban Education at the University of Illinois (Chicago). His research centers on how storytelling can heal youth and adults especially when used as self-edification and character development. He fuses his restorative justice work with a participatory action-scholarship to provide sustenance for vulnerable communities.
The Journey
A brief bio.
