Fellows Take Action to Honor Juneteenth, Youth Day & Black Lives
Over the past month, millions of people around the world -- our staff included -- have taken to the streets to protest the brutal and senseless killings of Black people by law enforcement and to demand social transformation. June was also a time to reflect on the 155th commemoration of Juneteenth and the 44th anniversary of YouthDay. Below are some of the ways our Fellows, staff and board members took action in June.
Obenewa Amponsah saluted to the class of ’76 on the 44th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising and participated in the protest at C42Constitutional Hill noting “Global Solidarity helped change the world before.”
Jitu Brown discussed his coalition-building work to reform public schools in Chicago and around the country.
Rukia Lumumba and coalition members led protests across Mississippi, following the death of George Floyd. Their actions pushed the local government to remove the confederate emblem from its state flag.
Lovelyn Nwadeyi wrote an open letter to white parents and teachers at former model C schools in South Africa.
AFRE Board Member Manuel Pastor was interviewed about the importance of today's protest marches.
Our Programme Manager Keyaria Rhodes wrote a personal commentary, reflecting on the freedoms and unfreedoms highlighted during this year's Juneteeth.
Rashad Robinson participated in a panel discussion with former President Barack Obama, which was hosted by the Executive Director of MBK and 2018 Fellow Michael Smith. Rashad was also featured in a two-day virtual town hall discussion with Oprah Winfrey, Ava Duvernay, Stacey Abrams and other national figures.
Alicia Garza and Rashad Robinson discuss policing reform, leadership and the future for racial equity.
Alicia and Devon Carbado join Kimberlee Crenshaw for Under The Blacklight, a conversation about police violence following the death of George Floyd.
Kelvin Sauls hosted his weekly conversations focusing on different aspects of policing and community building. He also wrote a poem and opinion piece entitled : From the Suites to the Streets, Pentecostal Fires Ablaze in America!
AFRE Board Co-Chair Opal Tometi was interviewed by New Yorker magazine and explained why this moment of protest is different. She was also interviewed for Naomi Campbell's special episode of "No Filter" which was dedicated to #BlackLivesMatter and launched a new newsletter #DisaporaRising.
Richard Wallace launched a 30-day challenge dedicated to supporting Black businesses, Black Love and Black Healing.
TL drew attention to the needs of people with disabilities who are being unjustly incarcerated.
Marlon Peterson sent a clear message about allyship in this moment.