Celebrating Juneteenth. Thursday was Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day: a federal holiday recognizing the emancipation of enslaved people in Confederate States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, it took until June 19, 1865 for Union troops to reach Texas, the westernmost Confederate state. Juneteenth has been celebrated since 1866, but was not observed in Arizona until 2016, and was not recognized as a federal holiday until 2021. Due to Trump slashing funding for any celebrations of diversity, equity, or inclusion, Arizona organizations such as The Arizona Historical Society in Tempe have been forced to diminish their Juneteenth celebrations. Some cities, like Scottsdale, have cut funding for Juneteenth celebrations entirely. But that did not stop Arizonans from coming together to find community and joy on this Freedom Day amid attacks on our most vulnerable communities. Across the Phoenix metro area, Tucson, and beyond, neighbors came together to laugh, dance, eat, reflect, and learn. It is a perfect analogy for our current situation – even during the darkest times, we will only move forward when we build a joyful resistance.
No Tyrants. On June 14th, over 5 million Americans in 820 cities protested the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration over the last six months. In Arizona alone, we saw over 50 events attended by about 78,000 people; in Phoenix, there were over 20,000 attendees. This could possibly have been the largest single-day protest in American history, beating out the 2017 Women’s March attendance by at least 1 million. This day served as a reminder that no one is alone in this work, and that we must continue to speak up for our friends, our families, and our neighbors.
Nothing Left Unsaid. We’re leaving nothing left unsaid about Rico Nasty, cuts to AHCCCS/Medicaid, and tacos and I give you my ins and outs for summer 2025. Laugh about White House throuples and cry over the loss of tomato girl summer all on this episode of Nothing Left Unsaid. Find Nothing Left Unsaid on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
We keep us safe. Join Borderlands Resource Initiative and Puente Human Rights Movement for a “Solidarity Accompaniment” Rapid Response Volunteer Training—a community-powered effort to resist ICE violence and protect our neighbors. This collaborative training combines key trainings for community defense—Migra Watch, Solidarity Accompaniment, and Rapid Response—to prepare volunteers to monitor ICE activity, support individuals at risk of detention, and help keep families together. RSVP for the next training on Wednesday, June 25th from 6–7:30 PM and learn to observe, verify, accompany, and report—safely and effectively.