Juneteenth 2023
Power & Joy: A Freedom Celebration
The Center for Popular Democracy (CPD) commemorates Juneteenth by rejoicing in the spirit of freedom, resilience, and unity. We hold space for our power AND joy making sure to honor the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors, whose indomitable spirits paved the way for the liberation we cherish today. Join us as we revel in the Juneteenth festivities, all while recognizing the ongoing work towards justice.
Staff Picks To Celebrate Your Way
The great thing about freedom and choice is you get to decide how you show up and celebrate any occasion! Here are some ways our staff plan to enjoy the Juneteenth Weekend.
Curl Up With A Book
Cack-Handed: A Memoir
by Gina Yashere
This hilarious, inspiring, and educational book by queer African comedian Gina Yashere is a must-read for belly-busting laughs!
What We’re Looking Forward To
Black AF History
The Un-Whitewashed Story of America
By Michael Harriot
This book isn’t released until September 19, 2023, but we are sure this is what you wished your history class was like!
Make It A Movie Night
A Thousand and One
The makers of this film love Black people! Love Black women!! This is shown by the level of care, grace, and nuance given to the main character played by Teyana Taylor who smashes her first lead acting role. A Thousand and One is currently streaming.
The Color Purple 2023
This Film classic has gotten a 2023 reboot with a star-studded cast that includes Halle Bailey, H.E.R, Danielle Brooks, Fantasia, Taraji P. Henson, and more! Grab the family and head to theaters on December 25, 2023.
Make It An Event
Historically Black Texians have long celebrated Juneteenth, which originated in Texas, with gatherings and cookouts. So we thought we’d create your BBQ soundtrack with the “Freedom Mix” – a curated playlist designed to make you dance your way through the entire celebration, from the greetings to the dessert. Get ready to turn up the volume and experience a burst of energy, pure joy, and a sense of liberation!
Legacy
This year CPD Celebrated Black History Month with letters to our youth, staff members wrote love notes to their children including CPD’s Co-Executive Director DaMareo Cooper. Be sure to check DaMareo out on Wednesday, June 21, 7 PM – 8:30 PM ET as he participates on the Colorlines Juneteenth panel “Formations of Belonging: the Seeds for Self-Discovery and Collective Power.
Here are a few of the letters:
Son,
you were made in love and raised in love. I pray the best for you through this life, and never forget that we, Black People, are magic! We are the genetic descendants of unbeatable DNA. We were brought here as property only to be worked like animals, but through our collective struggle and genius, we have built a life and future for ourselves under the threat of terrorism, persecution, and death. But our ancestors are with us, have prayed for us, and are our guardians now. We are the manifestation of their dreams as you are the manifestation of my dreams.
Be that the case, you must be who you are and go where your dreams take you. Always be yourself because that’s what the world and our people need from you. Remember, our ancestors always got your back, and our future selves are calling for our action today!
Love,
DaMareo Cooper (He/Him)
Co-Executive Director
To my daughter: Black womanhood demands a lot of us. I’d hoped I could spare you from some things we Black Baby Boomers have lived with. In some ways, I did. Despite fears I have failed you, I am grateful that my survival lessons stuck with you and have served you well. Where you have withstood hardship and pain, you have risen in queenly power and overcame them. Where you have endured a broken heart, you have taken your healing in your hands and found love anew. Where you have nearly drowned in self-doubt and imposter syndrome, you tenaciously swam to the surface and have discovered your power. You refuse to compromise, to give in, and give up. You have flown to above the fray. Now … SOAR!!
To my son: You navigate a hostile world. You’ve forged a path through treacherous terrain – systemic racism, White Supremacy Culture, political divisiveness, a broken family, an absent father and grandfather, and no generational wealth to provide you with the financial security your White counterparts enjoy. By default, you’ve been surrounded by feminine energy that couldn’t have fed the man in you. And yet, you rose to manhood intact, albeit a little scarred, having excelled in both business and art.
You are what other men before you couldn’t be. I am grateful for that. You’ve chosen and surrounded yourself with Millennial brothers – a community of strong men – who remind each other that you are the best of the best.
Never compromise who you are – not for money, politics, status … not even family. Your identity is sacred and no one has the right to demand you conform to their image. Stand firm at your boundaries and don’t allow anyone to cross them and force you to do or be something you don’t choose. It’s your life. God alone gave it to you. You’re only duty is to do everything possible to be whole. Be. Whole. You’re a King.
Love,
Sharon Shelton Corpening (She/Her)
Senior Media Relations Manager
To My Phoenix: We have truly grown up together and I want to thank you for loving me in the moments when I wasn’t really sure how to love myself. You are one of the main reasons why I continue to want to evolve as a human in this world. We give you so much because we want you to feel that you deserve even more than we have been able to give you. I pray that you love yourself as who are you no matter what this world wants you to believe. I hope you understand that you deserve to be here and to make a difference in this world. The question has always been is a leader born or made… and I believe both are true. You are a leader. You love deeply and care unconditionally. Please continue to believe in yourself and your dreams because we believe in you and your dreams even if you’re not sure what they are yet. You were named intentionally for that reason because you are the symbol of spiritual resilience. I love you my Phoenix Bird.
To My Hunter: I am reminded every day that you came to this world to not only help heal my soul but the soul of others. You have taught me how important the presence of love is in this cold world. I pray that you continue to remind people about how important it is to love unapologetically. As you continue to grow more and more into yourself, please do not lose who you are. Please continue to live free of everyone else’s opinions because your light should never be dimmed. Please never stop finding the little pieces of joy in the hard times. You were also named intentionally. We wanted you to never stop exploring to find out more about the world– and even more intently– to find more of yourself. Your unapologetic spunk will always be something unforgettable. We believe in you and the light you bring. Love you my Hunter baby.
Alisha Brooks (She/Her)
Chief of Equity, People & Culture
History
Do you know your Juneteenth History?
Check out this video:
Learn more about the history and cultural relevance of Juneteenth on The National Museum of African American History and Culture website: nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth.
Historical Spotlight
CPD’s brilliant Data team is currently working on an exciting map project inspired by a Black pioneer everyone should know!
Louise E. Jefferson
Louise E. Jefferson was a trailblazing African American cartographer who poured her heart and soul into her art, only to have her contributions ignored and hidden from history. Despite this injustice, she was a founding member of the Harlem Artists Guild and used her skills as an illustrator, calligrapher, art director, and photographer to create pictorial maps that boldly depicted the ethnic disparities, social injustices, and racial stereotypes that plagued the United States and the world. Her maps were a powerful tool for refuting these harmful beliefs and showcased the intricate details of all populations, including African Americans, Native Americans, and Chinese people.
Through her work, Jefferson told the stories of the people and populations that were often overlooked and marginalized, including those affected by the infamous “Trail of Tears.” Her illustrations were vivid and life-like, using a combination of symbols and ornate details to capture the essence of the people and places she depicted. Despite her immense talent, however, her contributions to the field of cartography were not acknowledged by traditional resources. But her work lives on as an inspiration to many, and it is hoped that more African American cartographers like her will be discovered and celebrated for their invaluable contributions to history.
Caribbean American History
The month of June has the luck of holding not only Pride and Juneteenth, but it is also Caribbean American Heritage Month. Here is a preview of who the CPD staff are thinking about when they think about the rich cultural heritage and the immense impact that Caribbeans have had on shaping our nation.
Trailblazing political activist Stokely Carmichael 🇹🇹, popularized the term “Black Power,” and tirelessly fought for civil rights. His passionate words and unwavering commitment to Black People, and social justice inspired generations to rise against systemic oppression.
Dr. Walter Rodney 🇬🇾 heavily influenced The Caribbean and American Black Power movement of The ’60s and ’70s. His work which centered on workers’ rights challenged oppressive systems and highlighted the intersections of racism, imperialism, and economic exploitation.
We stand for Taitu Heron’s 🇯🇲 exceptional advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality. Her transformative projects around gender-based violence, LGBTQ citizenship, and reproductive health have paved the way for impactful policies and interventions.
The Work
#StopCopCity
On June 6th, over 300 speakers gave 14+ hours of public comment to the Atlanta City Council, with an overwhelming 98% opposing #CopCity (and yes there are coalition receipts on that stat). Immediately after, the City Council voted 11-4 to fund Cop City, a $90 million dollar police training facility. The location for this waste of money? One of last remaining green spaces, one of the “lungs of Atlanta”, the Weelaunee forest.
As Kamau Franklin, comrade and leader of Community Movement Builders put it: “The politicians don’t care about the people. They don’t work for the people. They work for corporations, the developers, and the police. The Atlanta City Council ignored the largest mass mobilization ever because the corporate-funded Atlanta Police Foundation controls them.”
Our fight against police militarization and environmental racism has only just begun— Cop City will never be built. We’re not backing down. Since the city won’t listen to the community, we’re launching a ballot initiative to put this decision into the hands of voters. This effort will begin with a 60-day period to collect 140,000 signatures then to a November vote to stop the largest police training facility in the country.” Learn more here.
Voting Rights Act (VRA)
ABC News: The Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision ruled that Alabama’s congressional map violates Section 2 of the VRA by packing many of the state’s Black voters into one congressional district, thereby diluting their power to elect lawmakers relative to their share of the overall population. Read More
CPDA acknowledges this surprising win but warn right-wing justices may be playing a long game that threatens the VRA’s survival. Tam Doan, CPD’s Director of Voting Rights and Democracy issued the following statement in response:
“While today’s decision is a momentary departure from Chief Justice John Robert’s decade-long assault on the VRA’s power to protect Black and Brown voters, we’re not naive. He and his conservative majority have stripped the law’s power to hold accountable traditionally white supremacist Southern legislatures who’ve brazenly diluted the power of the Black vote.“
Climate
CPD’s amazing Climate team recently mobilized hundreds in DC and shined although it rained. Here’s a video they were able to record while at the action.
The Supreme Court
In response to the June 2023 Supreme Court decision on affirmative action, our web & CRM specialist, Ronnette A. Cox (she/her) aka Ronnie, penned a compelling op-ed. She eloquently shared her transformative experience at the Harvard Business School’s Summer Ventures in Management Program (SVMP), an affirmative action initiative. Furthermore, she urged Congress to take action by passing the Judiciary Act of 2023, enabling the expansion of the courts and fostering equitable representation.
