The Equity Alliance has announced its inaugural LiberTEA Collective cohort. The eight-week intensive program will cultivate a statewide talent pipeline of Black civic leaders and democracy defenders. Twenty-seven African Americans from counties across Tennessee, who come from diverse backgrounds, professions and lifestyles, have taken the crucial step of taking on leadership roles that strengthen democratic processes and build civic and economic power for Black Tennesseans.
LiberTEA Collective Inaugural Liberators are:
Angel Adams, Nashville
Samantha Jones, Nashville
Nonie Bennah, Nashville
Candace-Omnira LaFayette, Nashville
Christian Cohen, Nashville
Kimberly Lannear, Nashville
Brionna Crawford, Nashville
Chelsea Moore, Hermitage
Kelly Dunlap, Memphis
Adriana Norris, Nashville
Lauren Fitzgerald, Smyrna
Leshaun Oliver, Nashville
Edwina Freeman, Goodletsville
Kenya Payne, Nashville
Sade Fregene, Clarksville
Shikarah Pinkney, Goodletsville
Gayle Geeter, Madison
Joseph Prieto, Nashville
Cornelia Gipson, Spring Hill
Paul Richardson, Nashville
Latia Gray, Springfield
Christiana Roberson, Nashville
Tiffany Jackson, Antioch
Dawn Stone, Clarksville
Zachary Jenkins, Nashville
Kita Williams, Brentwood
Dalona Jones, Antioch
Recognized as rising Liberators, participants will complete a robust curriculum taught by expert facilitators, practitioners and community leaders. The material is rooted in Black liberation and freedom and uses a popular education model. Sessions will explore the basics of civics and Black citizenship, serving in elected office and on boards and commissions, movement building and disruption, government advocacy and lobbying, working on political campaigns, and communal healing.
“The LiberTEA Collective is a strategic opportunity for novice and knowledgeable participants to engage in a safe space that guides their understanding of the history and systems that impact Black lives,” said Charlane Oliver, co-founder/co-executive director of The Equity Alliance. “We refuse to wait on the sidelines as appointed and elected officials, and corporate power players make harmful decisions and deals without regard for marginalized communities across the state. We’re training Liberators to channel their energy and efforts in direct, strategic ways that will restore power and influence to the people.”
Applications for the LiberTEA Collective fall cohort will open Monday, August 2. To apply and learn more, visit <theequityalliance.org/collective>. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
