Equity Commemorative Gathering & Ceremonial Walk to Cap National Equity Week 2025 with Powerful Activation Demanding Racial Justice, Reparations, and Bold Legislative Action
CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com
Equity Week Events from June 11–14 Mobilize Black Communities, Advocates, and Lawmakers in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON—From Wednesday, June 11 to Saturday, June 14, the National Black Justice Collective (NBJC), alongside United by Equity, Black Music Action Coalition, and a broad coalition of civil rights organizations, Black entrepreneurs, ballroom houses, faith and political leaders, will host the Second Annual National Equity Week—a multi-day campaign to spotlight urgent calls for reparative justice and racial equity.
This year’s Equity Week comes at a critical moment for our country, as attacks on civil rights, economic opportunity, and LGBTQ+/SGL and Black communities escalate across federal, state, and local levels. With more than 100 local governments advancing reparations efforts and public demand growing for structural change, Equity Week 2025 is a call to Congress and elected officials nationwide: the time for equity is now.
WELCOME RECEPTION
Attendees will begin their Equity Week journey on Wednesday, June 11, with an electrifying evening of connection and community at Thurst Lounge. Participants will meet fellow change-makers, hear from inspiring speakers, and set intentions for the days ahead. Light refreshments provided.
OUT ON THE HILL
During OUT On The Hill, participants will convene at the Rayburn House Office Building on Thursday, June 12, to learn how to effectively communicate with elected officials, build compelling narratives around policy priorities, and organize in their home district for lasting change.
EQUITY BALL
On Friday, June 13, the Equity Ball at Howard Theater will serve as a primer for the Equity Commemorative Gathering & Ceremonial Walk and the culmination of Equity Week. It is an opportunity to celebrate and uplift the beauty of Black and Brown queer joy and artistry while promoting civic engagement and voter registration—learning about, honoring, and drawing energy from the legacy of art and activism within Ballroom culture, and in the overall Black Queer community. The event will include an award to the House of Garcon for their consistent use of civic engagement themes in the categories they walk in, and a performance by Julian King. One day before the Equity Commemorative Gathering & Ceremonial Walk, the Equity Ball jump starts a powerful gathering calling for action, awareness, and legislation by those elected, including the current President.
EQUITY COMMEMORATIVE GATHERING & CEREMONIAL WALK
The National Equity Week of Action will culminate on Saturday, June 14th, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. ET. Attendees will follow history’s footsteps as we honor the legacy of Bayard Rustin—the brilliant organizer behind the 1963 March on Washington—with a powerful gathering and ceremonial walk around the Reflecting Pool. This morning of reflection, community, and recommitment features inspiring speeches from movement leaders, intergenerational dialogue about progress and challenges, interactive teach-ins on organizing strategies, and collective visioning for the work ahead.
SEE THE FULL LIST OF EVENTS AND REGISTER TO ATTEND HERE
“The demand for equity is not a partisan issue—it’s a moral obligation,” said Dr. David J. Johns, CEO & Executive Director of the National Black Justice Collective. “Equity Week exists because too many of our leaders still haven’t met the moment. Reparations, equity and equality, voting rights, and economic justice are not fringe demands; they are the foundation for a functioning democracy. We are here to affirm: we will not be ignored and will not stop until our communities receive what is owed.”
“You cannot spell equality without equity. Therefore, equity is essential, and let us be undeterred and encouraged in our pursuit,” said Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter, executive director of United by Equity. “National Equity Week is a time to celebrate our communities and to recommit ourselves to achieving equity, truth, and repair for all of our children, communities, and the generations to come.”
“National Equity Week represents the kind of intergenerational coalition-building that our movement requires—bringing together seasoned organizers with emerging leaders to strengthen our shared commitment to reparative justice,” said Dreisen Heath, Founder of the Why We Can’t Wait Reparations Network. “As we see over 100 state and local governments advancing reparations efforts while federal action remains stalled but possible, events like these remind us that equity and reparations are not separate struggles, but interconnected fights that demand both community-controlled solutions and bold legislative action. This week of organizing, celebration, and advocacy demonstrates that the path to repair runs through every level of government and every corner of our communities.”
If you are interested in learning more about National Equity Week, Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter, Organizer, UCLA professor, and executive director of United by Equity, is available.