The Don’t Mute DC collective of artists and activists is hosting a daylong JUNETEENTH virtual and in-person celebration to commemorate the date on June 19th, 1865 when enslaved Texans received news of their emancipation from slavery. With the current State of Emergency for racial health and justice, we celebrate Black joy, art and resilience AND mobilize around issues such as mass incarceration, voter registration and racial equity. Partners include: ONE DC, Crank the Vote, Backyard Band, EU, 70K Strong, Training Grounds, ArtRage, National Association for the Advancement of Returned Citizens, DC W.I.R.E., WEACT Radio, Manpower DC, and others.

JUNETEENTH (June 19th) SCHEDULE

Livestreamed on Facebook.com/MakeGoGoForeverDC or in-person when indicated: 

NOON-1 p.m. PANEL DISCUSSION: “Black Cop. Black Cop. Black Cop. Black Cop.” Live from the Howard Theatre, 607 T Street NW Washington, D.C. (No live audience. Press only.) Inspired by the 1993 KRS-ONE song, current and former Black police officers speak about their struggles to serve their badge and their people, too.  MODERATOR: Charles Ellison radio host and The Root contributor.

1-3 p.m. Block Party Protest and Kick Off of #Artrage, a weekly gathering of artists to address social issues impacting people of color. Outside the Howard Theatre. Featuring a DJ, open mic and onsite voter registration. *Participants must wear masks and remain physically distant.

3-5 p.m. #DontMuteDC Rally and Protest Floats featuring Backyard Band and EU. Two floats will depart from Central Communications/MetroPCS at 7th and Florida. Departs West U Street. Turns South on 16th Street. Ends at Black Lives Matter Plaza.

6:30-7:30 p.m. PANEL DISCUSSION: “Mass Incarceration and Cultural Equity.” Panelists will discuss the fate of prisoners and returning citizen amid COVID-19, as well as how to bring equity to Black artists and mom-and-pop entrepreneurs amid the COVID-19 recovery. MODERATOR: Johnny Barnes, Civil Rights Attorney and founder of Living with the Law.

7:30-11 p.m. AFTERPARTY AND DEEJAY BATTLE. Hosted by ONE DC and Serve Our City, WEACT RADIO and CHECK IT ENTERPRISES. Streamed on FB LIVE on MakeGoGoForeverDC

ABOUT DON’T MUTE DC

Don’t Mute DC is a collective of cultural activists working tirelessly to amplify the voices of marginalized and displaced Washingtonians through art, advocacy, and voter education and registration. The District of Columbia’s indigenous Go-Go music--and the 80,000 people who came to its defense—are the muse and rallying cries that have powered this social enterprise. This cultural agency battle silences around urban erasure through partnerships in the arts, media, education, preservation, philanthropy, public and private sectors.

www.dontmutedc.com email info@dontmutedc.com