Opening Performance, Rhythm Arts Alliance

Welcome, Tavis Smiley, KBLA Talk 1580

Empowerment Congress Welcome, Gloria J. Davis & Harry McElroy, Empowerment Congress Co-Chairs

Keynote Remarks, Maya Wiley, President and
CEO, The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights and The Leadership Conference Education Fund 

Performance, The Young Shakespeareans

Dialogue, The Institute for Nonviolence in Los Angeles/Days of Dialogue

🌱 Grounding & Emotional Check-in

• How are you coping or feeling right now? (One word check-in)
• What helps you feel connected to others during times of uncertainty or change?

🛠 Resilience & Legacy

• What does resilience mean to you—especially in times of chaos or crisis?
• What tools of resilience have we inherited from our ancestors, communities, or movements?
• How can we build on the legacy of resilience passed down to us?
• In what ways do culture, art, and celebration keep resilience alive?
• Who do we need to become—individually or collectively—to stay resilient today?

📚 Reflection & Vision

• What is your earliest or most meaningful memory of Juneteenth? (Or, what have you come to understand about Juneteenth’s meaning over time?)
• What does a just and inclusive democracy look like to you?
• How does America’s past shape what’s possible for our future?
• What is your vision for America in the next 2–4 years?
• What part will you play in bringing that vision to life?

If you encounter difficulty with the embedded form, please complete the form on Google.

Lunch will be served

Celebration emcee: Paige Bryan, Comedian

Opening Performance/Blessing, Rhythm Arts Alliance

Musical Selections, Upward Mobility

Yoga Exercise/Demonstration, Jana Johnson, The Tree Yoga Cooperative

Freedom Song Sing Along, Upward Mobility

Participants can visit resource tables, view the ancestral altar installation, and purchase a copy of Maya Wiley’s memoir, Remember, You Are a Wiley.

Ancestral altars are common across many cultures in the world. Anyone can create an altar without being religious or spiritual. Altars are a sacred space to honor and pay homage to your ancestors spiritually, often serving as a form of gratitude. Items placed in an altar are typically objects
that remind and/or represent our ancestors including heirlooms, photos, candles, food offerings and flowers.

Special thanks to LA Commons for installing the ancestral altar for the 2025 EC Juneteenth Dialogue & Celebration.

Artist Information:

Willie Thomas is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist who grew up on the border of Compton and Los Angeles. Initially, art served as a personal outlet for him, a means to escape the harsh realities of his environment. Living in one of LA’s most perilous neighborhoods, Will turned to art as a survival tool, steering clear of the gang violence that plagued his community. Having witnessed the devastating consequences of gang violence on his friends, Will understands firsthand the significance of art within black and brown communities. It serves as a powerful tool to express emotions, foster understanding, and help individuals navigate through challenging experiences. His artwork often features a 2D animation style, where he crafts a unique universe that celebrates Black identity, skin tones, queer culture, and women. Through his creations, Will aims to uplift communities that are frequently misrepresented in contemporary society. His work pays tribute to Black culture, serving as a bridge across diasporas while delving into his own African American heritage. Resourcefulness is a hallmark of Will’s artistry; lacking access to high-quality materials doesn’t hinder his creativity, as he employs unconventional mediums and found objects to produce distinctive art. Currently, he works as an assistant artist at a middle school in Hawthorne and collaborates with LA Commons on various community art projects throughout Los Angeles. This work drives his commitment to support and elevate these communities through his own artwork. Growing up without role models in the art world made it challenging for Will to envision himself as an artist, but by becoming a community artist, he aspires to inspire the next generation of creatives.

The Empowerment Congress has been educating, engaging, and empowering the community for nearly 35 years! Help us to continue our legacy of empowerment with a tax-deductible donation today!