On June 12-15, 2024, collaborators NBJC, United by Equity, BMAC, and Black Lives Matter Global Network presented the Inaugural National Equity Week. Equity Week combined a diverse group of advocates, activists, students, artists, and entertainers, including community leaders, decision-makers, and public policy gurus, in the nation’s capital. The Inaugural National Equity Week was a powerful set of experiences
Equity Week Engagements Included:
OUT on the Hill Advocacy Day: Nearly 100 advocates participated in a congressional briefing that featured insights from leaders and experts. They also met with congressional committee leaders and staff of committees where our priority legislation has stalled. Attendees discussed the need for urgent action on reparations, education, police accountability, voting rights, economic inequality, prevention of and restorative justice for hate crimes, ending the epidemic of violence facing Black women, and protecting the freedom to learn.
Know Your Rights, History, and Voguing Expo at Howard University: Attendees learned the history of voguing before taking dance classes taught by ballroom legends, registered to vote or updated their registration, learned about resources from community organizations and a children’s book author, took advantage of free HIV/AIDS testing, and enjoyed the “American Requiem” panel on reparations.
OUT on the Hill White House Briefing and Tour: The White House Office of Presidential Engagement created space for attendees to receive policy updates from the administration, including on programs for asylum seekers from African Diasporic countries with anti-LGBTQ+/SGL laws, housing and homelessness, education, and criminal justice disparities, protection from voter intimidation ahead of the election.
Equity Ball: This event, which took place at the historic Howard Theatre, was filled with dance, laughter, joy, creativity, and love. Legendary houses and newcomers competed for $12,000 in cash prizes during our Equity Ball. Attendees were also treated to Open to All (OTA)’s Vote & segment, which amplified the importance of voter registration, policy and advocacy calls to action, and the fun of civic engagement.
Equity Demonstration and Concert: Demonstrators marched past the White House, the U.S. Treasury, and the Black Lives Matter Plaza, completing the call for all aspects of our government needed to finally repay the debt owed to Black Americans for building the country through unpaid labor and centuries of unequal treatment by our government. The speakers at the end of the march included Rev. Adam Taylor, Tamika Mallory, Shane Harris, Dr. Paul Zeitz, Dreisen Heath, Shalomyah Bowers, Dr. Christina Grant, Imani Rupert-Gordan, Kierra Johnson, Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, Kelley Robinson, and Dr. David Johns. Julian King and Candice Dillard Basset gave performances to end the march.
Save the Date for Equity Week 2025
Equity Week 2025 will place June 10th-14th. Express Interst & RSVP by clicking below!