FAQs
What is Refueling for Justice?
Refueling for Justice (RfJ) is a day of art, joy, and energy for those who need to rest and refuel in their work for Black lives and justice. RfJ is a free live-streamed event featuring meditation, poetry, visual arts, movement (yoga, dance, etc), wellness coaching, DJ sessions, and more!
How do I gain access to the event?
The event is free but you must first get a ticket. Make sure that you provide a working email that you check frequently when registering. You will get your access code the day of the event at that email address.
Are there rules I should know?
We ask everyone to remember the point of this event is to help to mitigate burn-out, to give those striving for Black lives and justice a place to refuel. While we support rallies and political change this is not the place for it. With this in mind we ask that as a community we follow some simple agreements:
Focus on positivity,
Refrain from political and insensitive speech,
Emphasize black brilliance and excellence in all of its forms,
Encourage a safe space for all including those from our LBGTQAI+ community, and
Affirm Black Lives Matter
We ask that you do not chat/comment your disdain or negative thoughts on a performance. Remember that our artists and presenters are all here to provide a refuel for those who need their type of refuel. If an activity, performance, panel, or music set is not your cup of tea there is no need to tell the world. Remember the old adage: “If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all“. Be kind because as Erykah Badu says: “I’m an Artist and I am sensitive about my sh*t.”
Do I have to show my video during the event?
No. Actually only presenters and our crew will be able to share their video and screens. For the audience the chat room will be where it’s at. Show love to the presenters, encourage others, and let the RfJ crew know how we are doing! We need to hear from you so the chat is all yours!
Can children participate?
Yes, our children need to refuel too! Most of the day will be child-friendly. We have a children’s time, specifically for ages 0-10 and the young at heart, in the morning. After that most activities until 5 pm will likely be ok for children to participate with an adult supporting their engagement and understanding. After 5 pm we have activities that we would strongly warn against having children under 15 to engage in. Adults, please make this decision on your own for the children in your life.
Who’s gonna be there?
Continue to watch the What to Expect page for artists and presenters’ information. Also connect to our social media to see update posts: Instagram @refuelingforjustice Twitter @refuel4justice Facebook: 1CollectivePower
I am not Black…Am I invited?
Simply put: Anyone striving for change, anyone who believes in the need for change, anyone who understands that Black Lives Matter is welcome to attend! Whatever your reason for needing to refuel you are welcome here. Yet, we want to be clear that this event is Black-centered and so activities and presentations will be linked to and focused on Black people, culture, and our needs. No matter your culture, please enter this space understanding that everything is not going to “be for you”. We are hoping to support a large swath of people who need to refuel, this means we will be bringing a huge variety of ways to engage, learn, grow etc. We suggest if something is not of interest, is offensive, or otherwise does not refuel you, please mute the event, log off until the next session, or watch it, maybe you will learn to like it. If not, later reflect on why it was “not for you”. We ask that you do not chat/comment your disdain or negative thoughts on a performance.
Who’s behind Refueling for Justice?
Black and brown organizers, artists, and healers (and white ally supporters) based in the Maryland Metropolitan area and around the country have come together to put on Refueling for Justice.
Daquanna, our lead organizer, runs an education consulting firm by day and is a long time organizer by night. She thought of this event after truthfully reflecting on the anxiety she felt when seeing the demonstrations occurring for our most recent Black lives lost. She realized that she was still healing from her past social justice work. After a yoga session and conversation with her best friend it was clear that she needed to be a part of protecting other organizers so that they can last for the long haul. While her heart still hurts for not being a part of the current organizing, her heart is being healed by this work.
Weusi, our artist lead, curates art both day and night. Weusi’s, connection with and support of the arts has been a lifelong process. He was a natural fit to help to curate the performances and art for this event. He promises to give you something you didn’t know that you needed! His passion for Black people, art, and love will come through in this event just like his now infamous U St. parties (if you know you know).
How can I get involved?
This is a completely donor-funded event!
We have great need for three forms of support:
Donations and Sponsorship to underwrite administrative costs and compensate all of our artists and healers for their gifts and time. Please click on Tickets & Donations to give directly. To become a named sponsor, please email 1collectivepower@gmail.com with “RfJ Sponsorship” in the subject line.
Volunteer Crew to staff technology shifts on the day of the event. Volunteers will help monitor the chat, make sure artists are set up and ready to go, and keep the day running smoothly.
Getting the Word Out share this event with your networks! We’re all in this together.