The Torchbearers of Democracy: Black Women Building the Future We Deserve
On July 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Demos will be hosting a special brunch and fireside chats in honor of Essence Festival. This event will celebrate women who work to set the foundation for a world where liberty and justice are available for all.
The Event
The brunch reception will take place at Carmo—located at 527 Julia Street. This special event will be hosted by Dēmos, an organization that supports democracy to the fullest even in its name as Dēmos is the root word for democracy, meaning "the people." Their main goal is supporting the movement for a just, multiracial democracy. Therefore, this event is named "The Torchbearers of Democracy" as black women have played a vital role in expanding democracy from the abolitionist movement to the fight for women's suffrage to the civil rights movement.
This brunch reception will be nothing short of inspiring. Dēmos reasserts that Black women organizers, advocates, civic leaders and elected officials continue to hold the line to protect our communities during past and current political strife. Therefore, this brunch will have those come together and celebrate that strength.
Special remarks will be heard from Taifa Smith Butler, the President of Dēmos and the event will be moderated by Errin Haines, the Editor in Chief of the 19th. The panel will include inspiring women such as Brianna Brown, the Co-Executive Director of the Texas Organizing Project, Ashley Etienne, CBS Political Contributor & Former Senior Adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris, Michele Rayner-Goolsby of the Florida House of Representatives, and Angela Hanks, Chief of Programs at Dēmos.
These torchbearers hold vision for the future. The vision of this reception is to bring together Black women who are working to build a more just and inclusive democracy that not only reflects the diversity of the nation but empowers everyone to participate.
Ticket sales can be accessed here.
