Since 1865, Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black communities to recognize the end of slavery. In this moment when the oppression and brutality against the Black community is being challenged on the streets, Juneteenth is a day of celebration and protest.

Many of you will join the actions across the city and country, but first we ask that you join us in pressuring our elected officials to cut the $6 billion NYPD budget and invest in our communities.

Mayor de Blasio has proposed a city budget that calls for huge cuts in New York’s social and human services while leaving the NYPD untouched. We need a fair budget that protects our frontline and essential workers, addresses racial inequities, and helps the homeless, and our youth. Young people deserve to have strong supportive schools–free from police.

Call Speaker Corey Johnson and your council member to demand #PoliceFreeSchools and the cut of NYPD’s budget by $1 BILLION in the upcoming Fiscal Year budget.

After calling your city council members, celebrate Juneteenth with us and the Coalition for Educational Justice and Urban Youth Collaborative with music, dance performances, and art at our Juneteenth Virtual Block Party.

See you there!