[JUNE 11th-12th] National Black Justice Collective, United by Equity, Black Music Action Coalition, and Other Civil Rights, LGBTQ+ Equality, Reproductive Health, and Immigrant Rights Orgs Host Equity Week 2026
The Series of Events Will Spotlight Reparative Justice, Equity-Driven Legislation, Civic Engagement, Racial Healing, and Black LGBTQ+/SGL Cultural Power.
WASHINGTON—From Thursday, June 11 to Friday, June 12, the National Black Justice Collective (NBJC), alongside United by Equity, Black Music Action Coalition, and a broad coalition of racial justice, civic engagement, and community partners, will host National Equity Week 2026 — a multi-day convening focused on reparative justice, public policy advocacy, racial healing, and Black LGBTQ+/SGL cultural celebration.
At a time when attacks on diversity, equity, inclusion, voting rights, LGBTQ+/SGL communities, and historically honest education continue escalating nationwide, Equity Week 2026 will bring together advocates, scholars, artists, elected leaders, ballroom houses, students, and community members to build power, deepen civic engagement, and advance conversations around repair, equity, democracy, and liberation.
OUT ON THE HILL
Date: Thursday, June 11
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST
Location: Capitol Visitor’s Center South Congressional Meeting Room (CVC 268)
Participants will meet directly with members of Congress and congressional staff to advocate for legislation impacting Black, LGBTQ+/SGL, and marginalized communities. The day will focus on hands-on civic engagement, advocacy training, and coalition-building around issues including reparative justice, voting rights, healthcare equity, education, and civil rights protections. The event will kick off with a reparations press conference hosted by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) at the House Triangle.
RACIAL HEALING CIRCLE
Date: Friday, June 12
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
Location: Busboys and Poets, 14th and V
This community-centered listening session and panel discussion, co-hosted with the Sue Aft Memorial and George Mason University, will convene Equity Week leadership and attendees for a conversation focused on racial healing, repair, and the work required to build more just and equitable communities.
THE EQUITY BALL
Date: Friday, June 12
Time: 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM EST
Location: Howard Theatre
The Equity Ball will close Equity Week with a powerful celebration of ballroom culture, Black queer artistry, and civic engagement. Legendary houses will compete in categories centered on community impact and empowerment, with cash prizes awarded throughout the evening in a vibrant showcase of Black LGBTQ+/SGL excellence, creativity, resilience, and joy.
SEE THE FULL LIST OF EVENTS AND REGISTER TO ATTEND HERE
“Equity is not a trend, slogan, or political talking point; it is a moral and democratic imperative imprinted by our Founders as vital to the success of the American experiment,” said Dr. David J. Johns, CEO & Executive Director of the National Black Justice Collective. “Equity Week exists to remind this nation that repair requires action — action from lawmakers, institutions, communities, and each of us. In this moment of escalating attacks on Black history, LGBTQ+/SGL people, education, and democracy itself, gathering together in truth, culture, and collective power is both necessary and transformative.”
“I am grateful to return to this event with the wonderful community doing this work,” said Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter, executive director of United by Equity. “As we gather ahead of Juneteenth, we want people to know that the holiday was always intended to be accompanied by reparations. No matter the challenges we face, we will continue the pursuit of healing, repair, and justice for everyone.”
“We are not at an arbitrary crossroads; we are inside of a reckoning,” said Dreisen Heath, Founder of the Why We Can’t Wait Reparations Network. “The attacks on Black history, voting rights, economic mobility, and other civil rights protections are not separate crises — they are predictable consequences of a country that has never settled its debts. Reparative justice can’t wait for the right political and social climate; it is the floor beneath every fight for Black freedom and liberation. Equity Week is where that understanding becomes action.”
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 to discuss what’s in store and the coalition’s continued calls for elected leaders to take up and pass federal racial equity and reparations legislation.