Second annual “Freedom Party” to celebrate joy, freedom, and learning

The second annual Freedom Party invites the Ithaca and Cornell communities to a block-party style festival on Court Street to celebrate community connection, storytelling, and creative and academic freedoms.

The Freedom Party returns on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 1-4 p.m. at Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) in downtown Ithaca. Organized by Cornell's Center for Racial Justice and Equitable Futures and co-sponsored by the Africana Studies & Research Center, the event will feature live music and DJ sets, a knowledge corner with free books for adults and kids, a resources fair that connects community members to critical social services, activities for all ages, and face painting. Free food will be provided for all attendees by Mama Sharon's Kitchen.

Jamila Michener, director of the Center for Racial Justice and Equitable Futures, cited the political philosopher, Joy James, who described freedom as "a practice shared in community." Michener said that "the Freedom Party is part of the role we play in creating freedom in community with others."

The idea for the Freedom Party initially came from Ambre Dromgoole, assistant professor of Africana studies and music in the College of Arts and Sciences. Profesor Dromgoole drew inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance: "In 1920s Harlem, artists, musicians, scholars, activists, and writers, such as Langston Hughes, socialite and philanthropist A'Lelia Walker, and playwright Ethel Ray, threw parties designed to celebrate and nurture creativity, talent, and ideas despite the climate of Jim Crow."

"Struggles over academic, political, and democratic freedom are playing out around the world, and contestation over racial justice remains at the heart of those struggles. This is a pivotal moment to commit to an unflinchingly inclusive vision of freedom and to bring it to life in all the ways we can. As we now like to say at the Center, parties can change the world!" said Michener, who is a professor of government in the College of Arts and Sciences and senior associate dean of public engagement in the Brooks School of Public Policy.

The Freedom Party is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is suggested to help with planning.