We hope you’ve been staying safe, mobilized and vigilant (and hydrated) out there. This weekend has even more marches and opportunities to show support and solidarity, all of which we’ll get into momentarily. (Also, be sure to follow us on Instagram @brightestyoungthings; we’ve been trying to keep our stories up to date with all the latest info.)
Quickly, here are some things you might be interested in from the BYT universe this week:
- Here are 10 movies and TV shows that feature Black LGBTQ+ characters (and real people, in the case of documentaries) that you should watch.
- Additionally, here are some ways to support, protect and demand justice for Black trans and queer people, including local and national organizations to donate to if you have the means.
- “Seek out artists of color. We are singing out just as our ancestors did. It is in the deepest fibers of our being. Lean in.” DC local social justice songwriter and proud Black butch lesbian Crys Matthews wrote a beautiful op-ed for BYT last week.
- Here’s your weekly round-up of resources to help you become an ally to the Black community.
- (You should also watch all of these films.)
- Creatives for Black Lives is looking for people to donate their services (photography, writing, graphic design, videography, etc.) to organizations fighting for racial justice. Want to get involved? More information here.
- And here are 5 places to consider donating to financially (if you’re able) this week.
- You can also spend local and support social justice through Carbonado’s new campaign, #BLACKEATSDMV, which aims to publicize over 300 Black-owned eateries in the DMV area and raise money for Movement for Black Lives. Check out the details and the PDF guide here.
And don’t forget to submit testimony to #DefundDCPolice by June 16th!!! Here is an explanation from Freedom Fighters DC.
Friday June 12th
- First, take a moment to remember the 49 lives lost at Pulse Nightclub in 2016. There will be a live-streamed vigil at 7pm ET via the onePULSE Foundation’s YouTube channel, so set a reminder to tune in.
- If you’d like to donate protest supplies, Freedom Fighters DC is setting up another drop-off station today, this time at The Potter’s House (1658 Columbia Road NW) from 10am to 3pm.
- If you’ve got kids, get them set up with Industry City’s virtual Drag Queen Story Hour w/ Harmonica Sunbeam starting at 3pm ET.
- Or head to the NOMA Metro Station for a 3pm march to the Capitol Building.
- Later, tune in to our Instagram Live this afternoon for Keep the Momentum: A Plan to Organize and Mobilize with Matt Jackson, hosted by Haywood Turnipseed // kicks off at 5pm ET, don’t miss it.
- (Unless you’re busy at the GMU peaceful protest, in which case you should plan to be at the GMU Fieldhouse at 5:30pm.)
- At 7pm, meanwhile, A League of Her Own will host Rachel Pike and queer Black entrepreneur Sheri Trice for a candid Zoom discussion about racism and police brutality in America through the lens of queer Black experience, as well as how white allies can understand and use their privilege to impact lasting change.
- Music-wise, Digital Mirage kicks off at 3pm ET; intended to benefit the Equal Justice Initiative and Color for Change, the online music festival’s lineup includes A-Trak, Elohim, Aluna, SG Lewis, Boys Noize, Chromeo, Netsky and more.
- Then at 9pm ET, catch Prison Music Project Sessions w/ Ani DiFranco, Zoe Boekbinder, Terence Higgins, free feral, Launa Reed and more ft. a performance of Long Time Gone, an album written by incarcerated poets and songwriters. Filmed at Esplanade Studios in New Orleans in front of an invisible audience, the virtual concert profits will benefit Sister Hearts Re-entry Program and the Center for Life Without Parole Studies. Album profits are set to benefit the Southern Center for Human Rights. Tickets are $20.
- If you’re more into books, you can catch Genevieve Hudson in conversation about their debut novel, Boys of Alabama, w/ Paul Lisicky via Books Are Magic’s Zoom broadcast.
Saturday June 13th
- For starters, Black Techno Matters is organizing 𝗦𝗔𝗬 𝗜𝗧 𝗟𝗢𝗨𝗗, 𝗦𝗔𝗬 𝗜𝗧 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗗: 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 – March to The White House beginning at 11am at 630 W St. NE; the march will stretch over the course of several hours, including a pause at the African-American Civil War Memorial/Museum at approximately 12:30pm and a pause at the White House at approximately 2pm before heading back to 630 W St. NE. It’s a long day set to continue until at least 6pm, so prepare to stay hydrated, wear masks, don’t go if you feel ill, etc.
- During that window, there’s also a peaceful protest that will begin at about 3pm at Malcolm X (Meridian Hill) Park and will feature a roughly 5pm march to Trump Tower.
- AND No Justice No Pride is organizing #DefundMPD at Takoma Metro Station starting at 2:30pm. Ball to start at 4:30pm.
- (Here’s that amazing Google Map again documenting open lobbies and other resources for protesters in DC, and here’s a gigantic guide that pretty much covers everything you’d ever need to know re: DMV protesting.)
- In terms of digital programming, the inimitable Charlotte Adigéry will be taking over La Blogotheque’s IG for a Stay Away Show starting at 1pm ET.
- Or if you’ve got kids, tune into Industry City’s presentation of a special Pride edition of Family Dance Party ft. the music of Robyn; also starts at 1pm ET.
- Afterwards, Digital Mirage continues today starting at 3pm ET.
- Major Lazer will also be going live on Twitch at 6pm ET for Mad Decent Live.
- AND each Saturday of Pride Month House of Yes is virtually hosting Soundtrack For A Movement to amplify Black & queer artists on the digital dancefloor. Tonight they’re partnering with Soul Summit Music, and will be raising money for Brooklyn Community Services. Starts at 8pm ET.
Sunday June 14th
- In or around Gaithersburg? There’s a protest happening at the Main Street Pavilion at 3pm.
- Or if you’re in DC proper, Rachel Baylor will lead Yoga for BLM – outdoor donation based sunset yoga to support the Black Lives Matter movement – at the National Museum of African American History and Culture starting at 7:30pm.
- In terms of digital programming, #iHeartPRIDE will be re-running DC’s 2017 Pride Parade at 3pm ET so you can relive that energy from a safe distance. (But, another reminder that this is a time to focus on action that supports the Black Lives Matter movement.)
- Plus check in with La Blogotheque again, because today’s Stay Away Show comes from none other than Gemma, aka majorly recommended.
- Meanwhile, the final day of Digital Mirage performances begins at 3pm ET.
- Also at 3pm is Homoground’s presentation of Homo Hang: A Virtual Hangout for the Homoground Community; today’s topic of discussion will be centered around how the queer community can actively support Black lives.
- And tonight at 7pm ET, you can catch RuPaul in conversation with Norman Lear and Rita Moreno as part of 92Y’s live online programming; tickets start at $20.
Once again, we hope you stay safe, mobilized and vigilant (AND HYDRATED) out there this weekend. In the meantime, did we miss something? Drop us a line at [email protected]
