Updates, events and celebrations from our ecosystem of media for liberation

We are living in trying times. The unprecedented events continue to unfold in ways that are too much to handle alone. We have been reflecting on our role(s) through this chaotic time with the help of Deepa Iyer. In Mapping Our Social Change Roles in Times of Crisis ([link removed]) , Deepa Iyer asks us to reflect on: “what are my values, how can I be aligned and in right relationship with them, what are the needs of the communities who anchor me, and what can I offer with my full energy?”

Together, we make an ecosystem that is greater than the sum of its parts. Our ecosystems are models for creativity, transformation, and interdependence. In 2016, we wrote a letter to our community called Get Ready, Stay Ready ([link removed]) , in which we said:

We have been building the skills and strategies of visionary resistance for decades. We have intergenerational wisdom to draw upon. We have the love of many, many thousands which, channeled through our organizing, is a transformative force. We need deep reservoirs of love now, because more than anything, this love is what will make us brave and offer us a vision of survival and hope beyond the horror of this current moment.

When we channel our collective imagination and take action powered by interdependence we can cultivate the transformative change we are deeply longing for. The wisdom of our communities is deep and vast and we feel honored to share incredible resources, events, and offerings from our ecosystem of media for liberation.


** Celebrating Media for Liberation from our Sponsored Projects
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Comfrey Films ([link removed]) is a Film Training Program and Production House designed to launch Black Trans, gender non-conforming, and intersex (TGNCI*) storytellers into independent filmmaking and to tell stories woven at the intersection of being Black and TGNCI*, with a particular focus also in the South. In May 2024, Comfrey Films held its inaugural Black Trans Short Film competition and awards ceremony! Janet Mock inspired the theme of this year’s competition with her quote: “We are who we’ve always said we are. We are worthy. We are real. We are here.”

Black Trans stories are necessary, life-affirming, and culture-shifting and Comfrey Films is committed to supporting more Black Trans filmmakers to bring Black Trans stories to life on screen.

The competition invited Black Trans, Gender Non-Conforming and Intersex (TGNCI*) folks who wanted to tell a story through film including beginners, first-time filmmakers, and Black Trans storytellers from across the diaspora. In total, 22 powerful independent films were submitted by Black TGNCI creators, spanning a range of genres and deeply personal narratives that wove into stories about community organizing, grief, healing justice, sisterhood / siblinghood, personal identity, spirituality, and so much more. Out of the top 5 films in the competition, 2 filmmakers were awarded a cash prize and GoPro Action camera equipment. All My Niggas Surround Me And I’m Surrounded By All My Niggas ([link removed]) (also called AMN), submitted by Jai Stephenson ([link removed]) , won the Jury Awarded Grand Prize of $2,500 USD + a GoPro Action Camera + Enrollment in Black Feminist Film School's Intro to Black Feminist Film Development Course. Mi Coro (My Crew)
([link removed]) , submitted by Moréna Espiritual ([link removed]) , won the People's Choice Award of $1250 USD + a GoPro Action Camera. Please follow these incredible artists, experience their films and find ways to continue supporting their journey. To support Comfrey Films and Black TGNCI storytellers, donate here ([link removed]) .


** Take Action
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Maamoul Press at Cairo Coffee | Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 3 and join Maamoul Press at Cairo Coffee / Spotlite Detroit for a Pop-Up for Palestine ([link removed]) , featuring: the launch of a new zine by Amal El Nakhala ([link removed]) , art-making led by Maamoul co-founders @inkalypse ([link removed]) and Leila Abdelrazaq, and a pop-up shop of comics, zines, prints and more (including some items from @offbeatcitrus ([link removed]) exclusively at this event), raising funds towards Gaza mutual aid. Drop by anytime 1-5 pm; all ages welcome.

DABL’s African Bead Museum | The city of Detroit demolished one of Detroit African Bead Museum’s buildings. Let’s show our support to DABL’s as they experience significant setbacks due to the city of Detroit pursuing demolition ([link removed]) . Donate to the fundraiser ([link removed]) and follow for updates.

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Black Lives Matter Detroit | Sign the petition to show your support for Leandra King and demand that Detroit streamline their permitting process for urban farms ([link removed]) !


** Upcoming Events
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Black Bottom Archives | Join Black Bottom Archives this Saturday, July 27, from 3p-5p for their Sankofa Community Presentation ([link removed]) as they close out their Black Bottom Street View Programming.

Healing by Choice | Care for Caregivers Healing Justice Practice Space

July 28th, 3pm-6pm EST

Healing by Choice! invites caregivers of children and families, activists and changemakers to decompress with us. Please register at bit.ly/CaregiversHJPS

Loving Connections by adrienne maree brown | Pre-order adrienne maree brown’s new book “Loving Corrections," a collection of love-based adjustments & reframes to grow our movements for liberation while navigating a deeply fractured society ([link removed]) . The book will be available on August 20th through AK Press. adrienne maree brown will be hitting the road with a Southern Driving Tour: [link removed]. If you can't make it to the tour, bring adrienne to your community for a virtual engagement: [link removed]

Detroit Lit Summer Writers Institute | Professional Development for Writers of Color. Join Detroit Lit for a summer series of workshops for writers of color, check out and register for the events here ([link removed]) !

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** Congratulations to the TETRA
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The TETRA – Digital Underground Railroad | Congratulations to the TETRA for being awarded the Kresge Artist Fellowship ([link removed]) ! TETRA’s Digital Underground Railroad is an odyssey across digital and physical terrain. Each PASSENGER is the hero of their own decolonization story. Together, they explore their inner world to shake the ghosts of oppression and conjure the joy necessary to build our Promised Land.

The TETRA is sacred, a liberation journey. They call it the greatest heist since Harriet. The only way in is by invitation. To request an invitation, please reach out to [email protected].


** Support the work of radical fiscal sponsorship!
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Your gift sustains our work of providing vital infrastructure to 100+ projects. We provide resources, support, and radical shared infrastructure to a network of visionary artists who are creating the world we need.
Donate to Support AMP’s Work of Cultivating Media for Liberation ([link removed])

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