New York City, New York, March 30, 2023 –
Freedom Rising Conference Honors Achebe Betty Powell and Supports The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice.
The Freedom Rising Conference announces the dedication of its inaugural event taking place April 28 – 30, 2023 to the late Achebe Betty Powell and pledges to donate 10% of ticket sales to The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, which Powell co-founded.
“Auntie Achebe”, as Powell was known, was an influential educator, activist, and organizer who passionately fought for the rights of Black people, queer individuals, and women. She was a cherished member of the Middle Church community and, to many, a dear friend; Powell passed away in February 2023.
During her remarkable life, among other roles, Powell co-chaired the National LBGTQ Task Force, served on the New York State Human Rights Commission, the Board of the Equity Institute and the Multicultural Advisory Committee to the New York City Board of Education. An out and proud Black feminist lesbian, Powell life’s work focused on justice, equality, intersectionality and education and she had a profound impact on multiple communities and untold numbers of people, across all races, genders and religions.
Click here to learn more about Achebe Betty Powell’s life and legacy.
In Achebe’s own words: “Our struggle for justice is a testament to the power of love and unity. We must remain relentless in our pursuit of a world where everyone is free to live authentically and without fear.” Achebe lived an intersectional life – fierce, free, fighting for the beautiful world she knew we all deserved. Click here to see Achebe speak about personal intersectionality on behalf of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in New York City. Achebe Powell discusses her personal intersectionality of being a woman, a lesbian …
See Photo The Freedom Rising Conference announces the dedication to honow Achebe Powell who fought for the rights of Black people, queer individuals, and women.
Photo of Achebe Betty Powell
Photo of Achebe Betty Powell Auntie Achebe”, as Powell was known, was an influential educator, activist, and organizer who passionately fought for the rights of Black people, queer individuals, and women.
Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, the President of Freedom Rising and Senior Minister for Public Theology and Transformation at Middle Church, shared her thoughts: “I’m still processing my own grief. It seems like just yesterday I was engaging with Auntie about my sermon, laughing together in our borrowed sanctuary–caught up by her brilliance and passion. In our last moments together, she was fighting for breath like she fought for a just world. I know deep in my bones that although Achebe’s physical body is no longer with us, she lives profoundly in each life she touched.”
Powell’s passion and advocacy for the power of intersectionality aligns perfectly with the purpose of the Freedom Rising Conference, where Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis will be leading a dynamic conversation between activists, organizers, and community members on the intersections of race, gender, and class, and how they shape our experiences and understanding of social justice.
“All of our movements–the black civil rights movement, the women’s movement, and the LGBT movement–were so important to link to each other. It’s critical for the long game. It’s about human rights, and we need to work in that context to make this movement much larger than just us,” said Powell. “It’s the continuing work of our current and future leaders to think in this visionary way, because we have to secure the rights of us all on this planet. We can never stop bending the arc of history toward justice–for all of us.”
Powell had been scheduled to participate on a panel at the Freedom Rising Conference: Dismantling Fascism with Fierce Love alongside Ruby N. Sales, Rev. Otis Moss, Jr. and Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III. Her memory will be honored at the upcoming conference through incorporation of video footage of her enthusiastic advocacy on behalf of marginalized communities everywhere. Attendees can look forward to an engaging and inspiring event that aims to continue and celebrate Achebe’s mission of collective liberation.
Join us at the Freedom Rising Conference: Dismantling Fascism with Fierce Love.
Register and Purchase tickets for the Freedom Rising Conference Here and use the code UBUNTU for a 25% discount.
For more information, please visit https://www.freedomrisingconference.com/
About The Freedom Rising Conference:
The Freedom Rising Conference brings together activists, organizers, and community members to work toward dismantling fascism and fostering unity with fierce love. Through workshops, panel discussions, and collaborative opportunities, the conference aims to nurture intersectional coalitions and inspire collective action for a brighter, more inclusive future.
COVID policies to help keep you well, while we gather in person: The conference prioritizes the health and safety of all attendees. All participants are required to wear masks and must be fully vaccinated. Rapid tests and KN-95 masks will be provided in registration packets. Air filtration units will be set up to reduce airborne transmission.
For more information on the conference’s COVID-19 policies, visit COVID-19 Policies
Get Your Ticket Today:
Space is limited, and tickets are selling quickly. Register now to attend this historic gathering of artists, organizers, and public intellectuals in the fight against fascism.
For any questions or support, visit the conference’s website: https://www.freedomrisingconference.com
Or purchase your ticket here: Purchase tickets for the Freedom Rising Conference Here
For press requests, please email bperry@middlechurch.org
or contact Jacquimedia@middlechurch.org
Join the movement: https://www.freedomrisingconference.com
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