National Reparations Rally

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, the National Reparations Network, in close collaboration with the

Reparation Education Project, will host the National Reparations Rally in Lansburgh Park,

Washington, DC (1098 Delaware Avenue S.W.) from 11 AM to 5 PM. This landmark event

will be a vibrant and powerful demonstration of unity, featuring an array of speakers, cultural

performances, networking opportunities, an African Marketplace, and a jubilant celebration of the

ongoing fight for reparations.

A Day of Power, Unity, and Celebration

The National Reparations Rally is designed to bring together individuals and organizations

committed to the movement for reparations for Black people in the United States. Throughout the

day, attendees will experience Statements of Unity, Special Presentations, and brief Keynote

Remarks from leading voices in the reparations struggle.

A major highlight of the rally will be the unveiling of an historic National Reparations

Commemorative Journal, featuring articles, historical accounts, sponsorship ads, and creative

expressions centered on reparations.

The Rally will include representation from a broad spectrum of organizations, including

Reparations Legacy Organizations, State and Local Reparations Commissions and Task Forces,

Black-Led Reparations Organizations and Coalitions, Descendant Initiatives, Ally Organizations,

Civil Rights and Human Rights Groups, Youth Mobilizations, Legal Organizations, Faith-Based

Reparations Organizing, Arts and Culture Reparations Organizing, and Funders/Philanthropic and

Corporate Supporters of Reparations.

Honoring History and Legacy

Given its location in Washington, DC, the Rally will feature a Special Presentation on the DC

Compensated Emancipation Act, acknowledging a crass moment in the history of reparations.

Additionally, the Rally will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of El Hajj Malik

El Shabazz (Malcolm X), celebrating his enduring influence on Black liberation and justice.

Dynamic Lineup of Speakers, Artists, and Hosts

Festivities will be kicked off with Nana Malaya and the Malcolm X Dancers and Drummers, a

heartfelt libation, and music by DJ One Luv. Reparationists Nkechi Taifa, Salim Adofo and

Miranda Alexandria will MC the event.

The Rally’s entertainment—coined as “Inner-Attainment”—will feature performances from Ras

Kass, Ayanna Gregory, Free Benjamin, Afi Soul, Luci Murphy and the Black Workers Center Chorus, and Randi Payton.

Notably, Ras Kass will perform original song dedicated to the Reparations Movement. Malcolm X Commemoration Committee Chairperson Zayid Muhammad and Ayo Handy- Kendi, founder of the African American Holiday Association will speak to the importance of the Malcolm X Centennial and the need to acknowledge and celebrate holidays and significant events to the Black Experience.

A Weekend of Reparations Activism and Culture

The Rally is part of a larger weekend of events celebrating the Reparations Movement and the

Legacy of Malcolm X:

• Friday, May 16 – Rev. Robert Turner’s historic walk from Baltimore to the White

House demanding reparations. (Stay tuned)

• Saturday, May 17 – The National Reparations Rally in Lansburgh Community Park,

followed by an evening celebration of Malcolm X’s birth sponsored by DC’s United

Black Community, at the Thurgood Marshall Building, with Keynote Address by Rev.

Benjamin Chavis, co-author of The TransAtlantic Slave Trade: Overcoming the 500-

Year Legacy.

• Sunday, May 18 – Opportunities for attendees to explore the National Museum of

African American History and Culture, the African American Civil War Museum

(sneak preview before official opening), DC’s new Hip Hop Museum, or NationHouse

Watoto School’s annual anniversary dinner.

• Monday, May 19 – A pilgrimage to Malcolm X’s gravesite in New York, departing from

Baltimore, MD; Baltimore bus hosted by Brother Haki Ammi. Call 410-209-9687 for details.

Special Partnerships and Media Sponsors

• Ben & Jerry’s, which has publicly endorsed reparations, has been invited to distribute free

ice cream scoops at the Rally.

• Black Flower Mart will donate a % of its sales to the cause leading up to the Rally.

• Media sponsors include WPFW-FM Pacifica Radio