“We believe the one who has the power. He is the one who gets to write the story. So when you study history, you must always ask yourself, “Whose story am I missing?  Whose voice was suppressed so that this voice could come forth? Once you have figured that out, you must find that story too.” (Gyasi, 2016, pp 226-227) 

Philadelphia is considered to be the birthplace of America. Home to the Liberty Bell, it is often referred to as the cradle of liberty.  It is also the home of CPED’s 2025 convening, proudly sponsored by Drexel University’s School of Education.   

Not all Americans, however, can claim the liberties espoused by the founders. There are other stories to be told, stories that are essential to fully realizing the promise of America as a land of liberty. Philadelphia has a long history of finding and illuminating these stories, celebrating the mini-narratives that shape today’s society. Through a rich tapestry of text, voice, music, and the arts, Philadelphia has been a haven to those who resist dominant narratives and challenge the structures of power and privilege that sustain them.  With its rich musical history tied to movements for equality and social change, often reflecting the struggles and aspirations of resilient communities, Philadelphia represents a unique opportunity for this convening. As a beacon of resistance, folk musicians from Philadelphia, including those connected to local labor and anti-war movements, contributed to broader efforts for social justice throughout the 20th century. Its vibrant jazz clubs served as spaces for dialogue and activism during the Civil Rights Movement. The "Philly Sound" blends soul and funk with socially conscious lyrics, encouraging civic engagement and highlighting systemic issues, including poverty and inequality. It is in this powerful setting that Drexel University was founded and championed the voices and rights of all Americans. “A revolutionary idea at a time when college was reserved for upper-class men headed for ministry, law, or medicine,” Drexel “made no restrictions on religion, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. More than 130 years later, Drexel University maintains [its] commitment to... a culture of inclusion that permeates all aspects of the University community” (Drexel/About, n.d., para 10). 

This is the backdrop for CPED’s 2025 convening. For over 15 years, CPED members have utilized the education doctorate to prepare leaders to transform the world. The current era calls for courage to uphold the core vision of CPED, where “equity-minded educational professionals lead lasting and positive change for the learning and benefit of everyone” (CPED, n.d., para. 2). Its values of diversity, partnership, and social justice call upon us, as people, as leaders, and as learners to surface a more complete narrative and to herald voices that have been rendered silent. 

We invite you to join us this October to draw inspiration from the City of Sibling Love. For this convening, we urge you to contemplate and share how your EdD programs 

Together, we will turn the story as we highlight the narratives and courageous work of EdD member institutions in lifting the voices that have for so long been silenced and undervalued.  Tell us how your EdD programs elevate the counter narrative and activate others as an empowering voice to challenge and chart the future.   

We look forward to having you with us.