Monday June 10th, 2024 6:30pm (virtual)

"Freedom's Promise: Juneteenth’s Legacy, Liberation, and the Path Forward" is a compelling panel discussion designed to celebrate the historical significance of Juneteenth, while also framing it as a pivotal call to action for social justice, racial equity, and community empowerment. This discussion will bring together a diverse group of thought leaders, activists, historians, and community members to explore the deep roots of Juneteenth, marking the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in the United States were informed of their freedom. This panel will not only honor the resilience and contributions of the African American community but also critically analyze the ongoing struggle for equity and the systemic barriers that persist today.

Participants will engage in a multifaceted dialogue covering the historical context of Juneteenth, its evolution into a national holiday, and its significance in the modern fight against racial injustice. The discussion aims to illuminate the ways in which the spirit of Juneteenth can inspire contemporary movements for change, highlighting actionable steps individuals and communities can take to address inequalities and foster a more liberated society

Tuesday June 12th, at 6:30pm (virtual)

In the compelling panel discussion "Economic Apartheid: The Redlining Reality in Black America," experts from various fields come together to shed light on the historical practice of redlining and its long-lasting effects on Black communities. This conversation aims to unpack the origins, mechanisms, and outcomes of redlining, revealing how it has fostered economic, educational, environmental, and health disparities that persist across generations today. Through a mix of personal stories, historical analysis, and current data, the panel will explore the systemic nature of this discrimination and its role in perpetuating inequity and continued segregation.

The discussion is set to not only examine the grim legacy of redlining but also to highlight the ongoing efforts and challenges in achieving justice and reparations. This event seeks to educate, inspire, and mobilize attendees towards collective action, emphasizing the importance of understanding history to forge a more just future.

Thursday June 14th at 6:30pm (in-Person)

"Echoes of Emancipation: Charting the Course for Reparative Justice" is a pivotal town hall discussion aimed at addressing the complex and critical issue of reparations for African American communities impacted by centuries of slavery, segregation, and systemic racism. This forum will convene a diverse group of voices, including legal experts, historians, activists, community leaders, and policymakers, to engage in a deep and meaningful dialogue about the feasibility, structure, and impact of reparations.

The discussion will explore various perspectives on reparations, including historical precedents, current proposals at local and national levels, and models from other countries, to understand how reparations could be implemented effectively and fairly. The conversation will also tackle the broader implications of reparations for racial justice, social equity, and national healing, examining how acknowledging past injustices and taking tangible steps towards redress can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Monday June 17th, 2024 at 6:30pm (virtual)

The Power of Black Currency: Economic Empowerment and Cultural Influence" is an engaging and insightful panel discussion designed to explore the significant impact and importance of Black economic empowerment and the wide-reaching influence of Black culture on global markets. This panel will bring together a dynamic group of economists, cultural historians, entrepreneurs, and activists to examine how the economic contributions and consumer power of the Black community shape industries, drive trends, and foster innovation across various sectors, from fashion and music to technology and beyond.

The discussion will delve into the concept of "Black Currency" not just as financial capital, but as a holistic representation of the value brought by the Black community's cultural capital, creativity, and resilience. Panelists will discuss strategies for harnessing this power to promote economic justice, wealth building, and sustainability within Black communities, highlighting the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses, creating equitable opportunities for growth, and challenging systemic barriers to financial inclusion.

By fostering a deeper understanding of its importance and influence, the panel seeks to inspire actionable change, encouraging individuals and institutions to invest in the vibrant future of Black economic empowerment.

Tuesday June 18th 6:30pm

In the spirit of Juneteenth, a time of reflection and emancipation, we delve into a critical dialogue in “Growing Patient Advocacy: Tackling Health Disparities and Substance Use in the Black Community”. This panel unravels the complex tapestry of patient advocacy within the spheres of substance use, mental health, and their profound impacts on the Black community. Our conversation aims not only to illuminate the disparities but to empower and enact change. At the heart of our discussion lies the acknowledgment of a systemic pipeline that perpetuates these health inequities. From historical injustices to present-day systemic abuses, we explore the roots that have sown seeds of disparity in healthcare access and outcomes. Our panel of experts, activists, and community leaders will dissect the multi-layered challenge of advocating for patients in a system fraught with bias, while also spotlighting the resilience and advocacy burgeoning within Black communities.

Monday June 12th, 2023 6pm (virtual)

Moderated by: Saeeda Dunston, Executive Director - Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities

Panelists Include: Dr. Shango Blake, BE NYC

Rashad Drakeford, Erickson Street

Mr. Tyler of Little Media Creators

Tuesday June 13th, at 6pm (virtual)

Moderated by: Saeeda Dunston, Executive Director - Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities

Panelists Include:

Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman

Manny Silva, FRANC

Manny Caughman, Environmental Consultant

Natalie Bump Vena, Associate Professor Queens College

Wednesday June 14th, 2023

Moderated by: Saeeda Dunston, Executive Director - Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities

Panelists Include: Ruth Settles, Exit Realty

Lori Miller, NHSJ Jamaica

Thursday June 15th, 2023 6pm

In Person at Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities

Moderated by: Saeeda Dunston, Executive Director - Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities

Panelists Include:

City Councilman Charles Barron

Erica Ford, Founder Life Camp

K. Bain, Founder CCD

Kirsten Foy, Founder Arc of Justice

Friday June 16th, 2023 6pm

Moderated by: Saeeda Dunston, Executive Director - Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities

Co-Sponsored by: Chase Bank

Panelists: Sabrina Stratton, SVP Amalgamated Bank

Dr. Robert Fullilove, Associate Professor Columbia University

Jacques DeGraff, Reverend and Advocate

Macie M. Black, VP Location Program Manager at JP Morgan Chase