To help launch the legendary planning scholar and filmmaker Leonie Sandercock's anthology of articles and revised works - Mapping Possibility: Finding Purpose and Hope in Community Planning - I was invited as a special guest for the June Joy Symposium at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.

Leonie Sandercock addressing participants at her book launch event

"Leonie Sandercock, legendary scholar and filmmaker, speaking at her book launch during the June Joy Symposium, UBC, where Dr. Matthew Kenyatta was a special guest discussing community-based joy in planning."

Faculty members from UMass and UCT in discussion, with Dr. Matthew Kenyatta at the June Joy Symposium, UBC.

Global thought leaders from UMass, UCT, and UBC, including Dr. Matthew Kenyatta, share strategies for using joy and justice as tools in community transformation at the June Joy Symposium.

Matthew Jordan-Miller Kenyatta speaking in a dialogue circle with UBC faculty during the June Joy Symposium on community planning.

Dr. Matthew Kenyatta discusses the intersections of urban change and storytelling at the June Joy Symposium, advocating for joy, justice, and genius in community planning.

Faculty members from UMass and UCT in discussion, with Dr. Matthew Kenyatta at the June Joy Symposium, UBC.

Global thought leaders from UMass, UCT, and UBC, including Dr. Matthew Kenyatta, share strategies for using joy and justice as tools in community transformation at the June Joy Symposium.

Participants at the June Joy Symposium collaborating on a community art project focused on joy.

June Joy Symposium participants, including Dr. Matthew Kenyatta, collaborate on an art project celebrating joy and collective creativity in community planning.

Matthew Jordan-Miller Kenyatta, Ph.D., listening intently during a community discussion session at UBC.

Urban advocate Dr. Matthew Kenyatta listening to fellow scholars during a community dialogue session at the June Joy Symposium, merging urban change with creative disciplines.

Close-up of a work-in-progress collage representing joy created by participants during the June Joy Symposium at UBC."

Dr. Matt's art piece - a paper collaged self-portrait - created during the June Joy Symposium, representing joy as a key element in community transformation.

Art collage of a figure with purple and pink radiating starburst, created during a collaging activity representing joy at the June Joy Symposium, UBC

Dr. Matt's collage representing joy during the June Joy Symposium at UBC. The figure, adorned with a glittering outfit and blue diamond, symbolizes creativity, community transformation, and joy.