BLACK PRIDE 365
We celebrate BLACK Pride all day. Every day.
Along with our approach to BLACK History Month, our pride in being BLACK and trans is all day, every day. We don’t wait for a specific month to celebrate ourselves. We practice through the actions we take as an organization dedicated to advocating for and defending the lives of all BLACK transgender people – right now.
During June we also celebrate our two-year anniversary and we’ll be sharing back some of the work that we’ve been doing. Including our national Covid-19 program, donations of essential items to localized community organizations, and the creative campaigns against anti-trans laws and gun violence. There is so much to celebrate this month.
It’s BLACK Pride 365 at the Institute. Join us.
EVENTS
We will host four digital spaces to further the visibility of BLACK trans experiences and the urgent need for policy changes and life-saving resources. MPJI will also continue its BLACK Pride Fridays discussions, as it did in 2020, with Elle Moxley having conversations with BLACK trans leaders who yield their voice to empower and guide the movement closer to the goal of liberation. Register for one, or all, of our events.
Did you miss this conversation? If so, watch it here.
We Deserve: Funding BLACK Trans Joy
Thursday, June 10, 7-8:30 p.m. ET
Moderator: COVID-19 Recovery Manager, Phoebe VanCleefe
What does BLACK trans joy look like, across communities and spectrums? What is inherent and where are the lines of designation? This conversation will center on the topics of funding BLACK trans joy, by highlighting the voices of mutual aid mobilizers and their mission.
Panelists:
Dionne Obadiah (he/him/brother), Spiritual Healer, Founder Finding Freedomland
Sunny Marks (they/them), Disability Rights Advocate, Co-Organizer, PowerFru Housing Crew
Jordyn Jay (she/her), Founder, BLACK Trans Femmes In The Arts
BLACK Pride Fridays with Imara Jones
Friday, June 11, 2:30-3:30 p.m. ET
Imara Jones is an award-winning journalist, and the creator of TransLash Media, a cross-platform journalism, personal storytelling, and narrative project, which produces content to shift the current culture of hostility towards transgender people in the US. Moxley and Jones will engage in a discussion that touches on trans-antagonism, systemic violence, and the importance of BLACK trans storytellers.
BLACK Pride Fridays: MPJI’s 2nd Anniversary & Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 18, 7-10 p.m. ET
It’s our anniversary! We’re celebrating year two since the official launch of the Institute with a digital music set curated by DJ TGIF. Hosted on Instagram.
In honor of Juneteenth, MPJI offices will be closed for the day to reflect, rest, and dance.
BLACK Pride Fridays with Valerie Spencer
Friday, June 25, 5-6 p.m. ET
Valerie Spencer is a therapist, ordained minister, and activist of nearly 30 years. She mentors younger BLACK trans women in life development, spiritual guidance, and helping them to attain previously unthinkable aspirations. Her discussion with Moxley will center around the legacy of BLACK transgender leadership in shaping the national narrative on community issues and will enable attendees to listen and learn directly from Ms. Spencer’s expertise and experiences.
