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The Best Nonprofits To Support Juneteenth

Each year on June 19th, a significant celebration takes place across the United States, commemorating a pivotal moment in the nation's history and the ongoing pursuit of freedom and equality.

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of a community that has faced centuries of adversity.

Juneteenth serves as a potent reminder of the long journey toward freedom and the unyielding spirit of African Americans throughout history. It is a day to honor the strength and resilience of those who endured the harsh realities of bondage while also recognizing the progress made since that momentous day in Texas. Today, Juneteenth has expanded beyond its regional origins to become a nationally recognized holiday, symbolizing the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality for all.

As we commemorate Juneteenth, it is crucial to recognize its historical significance and acknowledge the ongoing work needed to dismantle systemic racism.

Join us as we support the nonprofits and organizations that champion Juneteenth, honoring the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of African Americans and their unwavering commitment to freedom.

Equal Justice Initiative

The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) is a nonprofit legal organization that seeks to end mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, challenge racial and economic injustice and protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in society. EJI was founded in 1989 by Bryan Stevenson, a civil rights lawyer who has dedicated his career to fighting for justice for the poor and the marginalized.

EJI Programs and Initiatives

  • Direct representation: EJI lawyers represent people on death row, in death penalty cases, and in other criminal cases. EJI also provides legal representation to people who have been wrongfully convicted and imprisoned.
  • Investigations: EJI conducts investigations into racial and economic injustice, including the legacy of slavery and segregation, the death penalty, and mass incarceration. EJI's investigations have led to the closure of death row in Alabama and the release of dozens of people who were wrongfully convicted.
  • Public education: EJI works to educate the public about the issues of mass incarceration, excessive punishment, and racial and economic injustice. EJI publishes reports, articles, and books on these issues, and it also offers training and workshops to lawyers, law students, and other professionals.
  • Policy advocacy: EJI advocates for reforms to the criminal justice system. EJI has worked to pass legislation that would end the death penalty, reform the bail system, and reduce the number of people in prison.

EJI has been recognized for its work with numerous awards, including the MacArthur Foundation "Genius Grant" and the American Bar Association's Thurgood Marshall Award. EJI is headquartered in Montgomery, Alabama, and it has offices in Atlanta, Georgia, and New York City.

EJI's accomplishments

  • EJI has won over 200 exonerations of people who were wrongfully convicted and imprisoned.
  • EJI has helped to close death row in Alabama.
  • EJI has helped to pass legislation that would end the death penalty, reform the bail system, and reduce the number of people in prison.
  • EJI has educated the public about the issues of mass incarceration, excessive punishment, and racial and economic injustice.

EJI is a leading voice in the fight for justice for the poor and the marginalized. EJI's work is making a real difference in the lives of people who have been affected by mass incarceration, excessive punishment, and racial and economic injustice.

The Juneteenth Foundation

The Juneteenth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 2020 to build a movement to recognize Juneteenth and celebrate the excellence of Black culture and freedom. The foundation's mission is to "create a platform for the nation to come together to celebrate Juneteenth and host one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in America."

The Juneteenth Foundation hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Juneteenth Honors, an upscale awards show that brings together African American culture's biggest names in music, sports, film, and philanthropy; the Juneteenth Celebrity Golf Tournament, which raises funds for scholarships and youth STEM programming; and the Juneteenth Freedom Festival, a week-long celebration of Juneteenth that includes concerts, speeches, and educational events.

The Juneteenth Foundation also works to educate the public about the history and significance of Juneteenth. The foundation's website provides information about the history of Juneteenth, as well as resources for teaching about Juneteenth in schools.

The Juneteenth Foundation is a valuable resource for those who want to learn more about Juneteenth and celebrate the excellence of Black culture and freedom. The foundation's work is helping to ensure that Juneteenth is recognized and celebrated as a national holiday.

The Juneteenth Foundation Accomplishments

  • In 2021, Juneteenth was nationally recognized and celebrated for the first time ever as a federal holiday in the United States and around the world.
  • The foundation has hosted a number of successful events, including the Juneteenth Honors, the Juneteenth Celebrity Golf Tournament, and the Juneteenth Freedom Festival.
  • The foundation has worked to educate the public about the history and significance of Juneteenth.
  • The foundation has raised funds for scholarships and youth STEM programming.

The Juneteenth Foundation is a valuable organization that is making a positive impact on the lives of Black Americans. The foundation's work is helping to ensure that Juneteenth is recognized and celebrated as a national holiday, and that the history and significance of Juneteenth is known by all.

Emancipation Park Conservancy

The Emancipation Park Conservancy is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2014 to restore, manage, and enhance Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas. The park is a historic site that was founded in 1872 by freed slaves. It is the oldest public park in Houston and is one of the most important cultural landmarks in the city.

Emancipation Park Conservancy Goals

  • To restore the park's historic structures and grounds.
  • To create a safe and welcoming environment for all park visitors.
  • To provide educational programs and events that celebrate the park's history and culture.
  • To raise funds to support the park's ongoing maintenance and operations.

The Conservancy has made significant progress in achieving its goals. The park's historic structures have been restored, and the grounds have been improved. The park is now a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors, and it hosts a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year. The Conservancy has also raised significant funds to support the park's ongoing maintenance and operations.

The Emancipation Park Conservancy is a valuable asset to the Houston community. The park is a beautiful and historic place that is important to the city's history and culture. The Conservancy is working hard to preserve the park and make it a vibrant and welcoming space for all.

Emancipation Park Conservancy's Accomplishments

  • Restored the park's historic structures, including the Emancipation Oak, the Freedman's Hall, and the Emancipation Monument.
  • Improved the park's grounds, including the installation of new playground equipment, a walking trail, and a picnic area.
  • Created a safe and welcoming environment for all park visitors, including the installation of security cameras and the hiring of security guards.
  • Provided educational programs and events that celebrate the park's history and culture, including the Juneteenth Freedom Festival and the Emancipation Park Lecture Series.
  • Raised significant funds to support the park's ongoing maintenance and operations.

The Emancipation Park Conservancy is a vital organization that is making a real difference in the lives of Houstonians. The Conservancy's work is helping to preserve a historic landmark, create a safe and welcoming space for all, and celebrate the city's rich history and culture.

Advancement Project

Advancement Project is a non-profit civil rights organization that works to dismantle systemic racism in the United States. The organization was founded in 1999 by Constance L. Rice, Penda Hair, and Wade Henderson.

Advancement Project Programs and Initiatives

  • Voting rights: Advancement Project works to protect the right to vote for all Americans, particularly people of color. The organization has challenged voter ID laws, fought to restore voting rights to people with felony convictions, and worked to increase voter turnout among minority communities.
  • Education: Advancement Project works to ensure that all children have access to a quality education, regardless of their race or zip code. The organization has challenged school funding inequities, fought to end the school-to-prison pipeline, and worked to improve teacher quality in minority schools.
  • Criminal justice: Advancement Project works to reform the criminal justice system, which disproportionately incarcerates people of color. The organization has challenged mass incarceration, fought against racial profiling, and worked to reform the bail system.
  • Economic justice: Advancement Project works to promote economic opportunity for all Americans, particularly people of color. The organization has challenged discriminatory lending practices, fought for fair wages, and worked to increase access to affordable housing.

Advancement Project has been successful in achieving a number of its goals. For example, the organization played a key role in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 2006, which expanded the right to vote for millions of Americans. Advancement Project has also won a number of landmark cases in the areas of education, criminal justice, and economic justice.

Advancement Project is a leading voice in the fight for racial justice in the United States. The organization's work is making a real difference in the lives of people of color.

National Black Women’s Justice Institute

The National Black Women's Justice Institute (NBWJI) is a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of Black women and girls through advocacy, research, and public education. The organization was founded in 1998 by Nkechi Taifa and Kimberlé Crenshaw.

NBWJI Programs and Initiatives

  • Advocacy: NBWJI advocates for policies that improve the lives of Black women and girls. The organization has worked to pass legislation that would reform the criminal justice system, expand access to healthcare, and increase economic opportunities for Black women.
  • Research: NBWJI conducts research on the issues that impact Black women and girls. The organization has published reports on topics such as mass incarceration, domestic violence, and economic inequality.
  • Public education: NBWJI educates the public about the issues that impact Black women and girls. The organization offers trainings and workshops to lawyers, policymakers, and the general public.

NBWJI has been successful in achieving a number of its goals. For example, the organization played a key role in the passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, which expanded protections for victims of domestic violence. NBWJI has also published a number of groundbreaking reports on the issues that impact Black women and girls.

NBWJI is a leading voice in the fight for justice for Black women and girls. The organization's work is making a real difference in the lives of Black women and girls.

NBWJI's accomplishments

  • Played a key role in the passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, which expanded protections for victims of domestic violence.
  • Published a number of groundbreaking reports on the issues that impact Black women and girls, including "Black Women in the Criminal Justice System: A National Overview" and "Black Women's Lives Matter: The Criminalization of Black Women."
  • Conducted research on the issues that impact Black women and girls, including mass incarceration, domestic violence, and economic inequality.
  • Educated the public about the issues that impact Black women and girls, offering trainings and workshops to lawyers, policymakers, and the general public.

NBWJI is a vital organization that is making a real difference in the lives of Black women and girls. The organization's work is helping to improve the lives of Black women and girls in a number of ways, including by advocating for policies that improve their lives, conducting research on the issues that impact them, and educating the public about the issues that impact them.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Alvin Ailey Jr. (January 5, 1931 – December 1, 1989) was an American dancer, choreographer, and activist who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT). He created AAADT and its affiliated Alvin Ailey American Dance Center (later Ailey School) as havens for nurturing Black artists and expressing the universality of the African-American experience through dance.

Ailey was born in Rogers, Texas, and grew up in Los Angeles. He began dancing at a young age and studied with Lester Horton, Martha Graham, and other leading choreographers. In 1958, he founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater with a group of dancers from the New York City Ballet. The company quickly became one of the most acclaimed dance companies in the world, and Ailey himself became one of the most celebrated choreographers of his generation.

Ailey's choreography was deeply rooted in the African-American experience, but it also spoke to a universal audience. His works were often based on African-American spirituals and folk tales, but they also explored themes of love, loss, and hope. Ailey's choreography was also known for its athleticism and its use of jazz and blues music.

In addition to his work as a choreographer, Ailey was also a passionate advocate for the arts. He founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in 1969 to provide training for young dancers, and he also established the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble (now Ailey II) in 1974 to give opportunities to emerging dancers.

Ailey died in 1989 at the age of 58. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1993. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater continues to tour the world, and it remains one of the most important dance companies in the world.

Ailey's Most Famous Works

  • Revelations (1960): This iconic work is a celebration of the African-American experience. It is set to spirituals and gospel music and is full of powerful imagery.
  • Cry (1971): This work is a solo for a female dancer. It is set to music by Duke Ellington and is a powerful exploration of the pain and joy of the African-American experience.
  • Night Creature (1975): This work is a celebration of the beauty of the African-American body. It is set to music by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn and is full of vibrant movement.

Ailey's work has had a profound impact on the world of dance. He was a pioneer in the field of modern dance, and his work helped to bring African-American dance to the forefront of the American cultural landscape. His legacy continues to inspire dancers and audiences around the world.

National Coalition on Black Civic Participation

The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that works to increase civic engagement and voter participation among African Americans. The NCBCP was founded in 1970 by a group of civil rights leaders, including the late Congressman John Lewis.

NCBCP Programs and Initiatives

  • Voter registration: The NCBCP works to register African Americans to vote. The organization has registered millions of African Americans to vote since its founding.
  • Voter education: The NCBCP provides voter education to African Americans. The organization offers training and workshops on how to register to vote, how to vote, and how to make informed voting decisions.
  • Voter mobilization: The NCBCP mobilizes African Americans to vote. The organization works to get African Americans to the polls on Election Day.
  • Research: The NCBCP conducts research on the issues that impact African American voter participation. The organization's research helps to inform the organization's work and the work of other organizations that are working to increase African American voter participation.
  • Advocacy: The NCBCP advocates for policies that make it easier for African Americans to vote. The organization works to pass legislation that would expand early voting, same-day registration, and automatic voter registration.

The NCBCP has been successful in increasing African American voter participation. In the 2020 presidential election, African American voter turnout reached a record high of 66%. The NCBCP's work is helping to ensure that African Americans have a voice in the political process.

NCBCP's Accomplishments

  • Registered millions of African Americans to vote.
  • Provided voter education to millions of African Americans.
  • Mobilized millions of African Americans to vote.
  • Conducted research on the issues that impact African American voter participation.
  • Advocated for policies that make it easier for African Americans to vote.

The NCBCP is a leading voice in the fight for African American voter participation. The organization's work is making a real difference in the lives of African Americans.

Race Forward

Race Forward is a non-profit organization that works to advance racial justice. The organization was founded in 1981 by Gary Delgado and is headquartered in Oakland, California.

Race Forward Programs and Initiatives

  • Reporting and analysis: Race Forward produces reports and analyses on racial justice issues. The organization's reports are used by policymakers, journalists, and activists to inform their work.
  • Training and education: Race Forward provides training and education on racial justice issues. The organization's training are designed to help people understand the history of racism in the United States and how to work for racial justice.
  • Advocacy: Race Forward advocates for policies that advance racial justice. The organization works to pass legislation that would address racial disparities in areas such as education, housing, and criminal justice.

Race Forward has been successful in advancing racial justice. The organization has played a key role in the passage of legislation that would address racial disparities in areas such as education, housing, and criminal justice. Race Forward's work has also helped to raise awareness of racial justice issues and to build a movement for racial justice.

Race Forward's Accomplishments

  • Played a key role in the passage of the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, which reduced the disparity between the sentences for crack cocaine and powder cocaine offenses.
  • Published the report "The War on Drugs by the Numbers," which documented the disproportionate impact of the war on drugs on communities of color.
  • Organized the "Black Lives Matter" movement, which has raised awareness of police violence against Black people.

Race Forward is a leading voice in the fight for racial justice. The organization's work is making a real difference in the lives of people of color.

Southern Poverty Law Center

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is a non-profit legal advocacy organization that specializes in civil rights and public interest litigation. The SPLC was founded in 1971 by Morris Dees, Joseph Levin, and Julian Bond.

SPLC Programs and Initiatives

  • Legal advocacy: The SPLC litigates cases that challenge discrimination and hate crimes. The organization has won a number of landmark cases, including the case that led to the desegregation of public schools in Alabama.
  • Public education: The SPLC educates the public about the dangers of hate and extremism. The organization publishes reports, articles, and educational materials on a variety of topics, including white supremacy, anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia.
  • Training and support: The SPLC provides training and support to individuals and organizations that are working to fight hate and extremism. The organization offers trainings on a variety of topics, including how to respond to hate crimes, how to build a community of resistance, and how to use social media to fight hate.

The SPLC has been successful in challenging discrimination and hate crimes. The organization has won a number of landmark cases, and its work has helped to raise awareness of the dangers of hate and extremism.

SPLC's Accomplishments

  • Won the case that led to the desegregation of public schools in Alabama.
  • Exposed the Ku Klux Klan and other hate groups.
  • Helped to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
  • Educated the public about the dangers of hate and extremism.
  • Provided training and support to individuals and organizations that are working to fight hate and extremism.

The SPLC is a leading voice in the fight against hate and extremism. The organization's work is making a real difference in the lives of people who are targeted by hate and extremism.

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