Guide to Birmingham Freedom Fest 2020 happening virtually July 25

The second annual Birmingham Freedom Fest is going virtual this year on Saturday, July 25 at 3PM. The lineup is stacked with notable names, speakers, artists and more. Get all the details on panels and performances—plus, how to RSVP and tune in for FREE!

Be Entertained + Empowered at Birmingham Freedom Fest 2020

Birmingham’s second annual Freedom Fest, a music and empowerment festival will include entertainment from talented artists and performers, as well as discussions with inspiring speakers and notable names.

This year’s festival is completely virtual AND it’s free. RSVP on their site to receive the live stream link, and tune in at 3PM to see the event.

Here’s Mayor Woodfin’s message about this year’s virtual Freedom Fest:

“In the past few weeks and months, many of us stood up and raised our voices and marched in the spirit of change—a worldwide movement with roots right here in our city, Birmingham. We are the city that taught the world that freedom was and is achievable… Though our world looks much different in 2020, that won’t stop us from celebrating our city and our culture yet again.

I’m happy to announce that Freedom Fest returns this year as a virtual experience on July 25—and best of all, it’s free… We’ve got so much in store. We have an incredible set of panels planned, allowing you to hear from true changemakers, both from a local and national perspective.”

Mayor Randall Woodfin 

Your Guide to the Freedom Fest 2020 Lineup

The lineup for this year’s Freedom Fest—hosted by Eunice Elliot—is stacked with incredible artists like Rapsody and Pastor Mike Jr., as well as notable panelists including Sen. Cory Booker and Stacey Abrams. Keep reading for a look at the full lineup:

Entertainment

• Rapsody | Grammy nominated Hip Hop emcee from North Carolina
• Translee | Digital Native Culture/Grand Hustle Ent recording artist from Huntsville, AL
• Pastor Mike Jr. | Gospel artist and Pastor from Birmingham, AL
• Sherri Brown | Singer and performer in Birmingham, AL
• Shaheed and DJ Supreme ft. Kids in the Cypher | Hip hop group from Birmingham, AL
• Kristen Glover | Gospel singer and musician in Birmingham, AL
• C.J. Wade | Performer and writer in Birmingham, AL

Empowerment

The South Got Somethin’ to Say: Politics 2020

Description: A moderated panel discussion aimed at the evolution of politics and vital issues that plague 2020.

The panelists include:

• Devyn Keith (Moderator) | President, Huntsville City Council
• Mayor Randall Woodfin | City of Birmingham
• Senator Doug Jones | United States Senator for Alabama
• Stacey Abrams | Founder of Fair Fight Action
• Amy McGrath | United States Senate Candidate, Kentucky

Outspoken

Description: A powerful conversation surrounding challenges in the LGBTQ+ community to inspire confidence and strength. 

The panelists include:

• Josh Coleman (Moderator) | LGBTQ+ Liaison – City of Birmingham
• Alphonso David | President, Human Rights Campaign 
• Park Cannon | Georgia State Representative
• Neil Rafferty | Alabama State Representative 
• Sinseriti Banks | T-HEAL Case Manager, BAO

Uncaged Liberty

Description: A discussion about the cultural aspects of immigration in Birmingham, AL on a local and national scale. 

The panelists include:

• Carlos Aleman (Moderator) | Deputy Director, Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (HICA) 
• Jerome Dees | Immigration Attorney for JD Walker Law
• Evelyne Rivera | Community Outreach Coordinator, Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice (ACIJ)
• Celida Soto Garcia | Community Organizer

Who Tells Our Stories?

Description: A virtual tour of the A. G. Gaston Motel, its significance, and preservation efforts to continue its legacy in the City of Birmingham. 

The panelists include:

• Congresswoman Terri Sewell | AL-07
• Denise Gilmore | Senior Director of the Office of Social Justice and Racial Equity, City of Birmingham 

Social Justice and Technology: Exploring Black Tech Activism

Description: A discussion about Blacks and tech advocacy, access to tech for people of color, and opportunities to connect social justice and technology. 

The panelists include:

• Rashada Leroy (Moderator) | CEO, LRY Media Group
• Dr. Adrienne Starks | CEO, STREAM Innovations 
• Waymond Jackson | CEO, ED Farm
• Julian Grant | Commercial Business Development Specialist, Alabama Power

Strong-HER

Description: A dialogue about female leadership, breaking the glass ceiling, and women making an impact within the community. 

The panelists include:

• Sherri Jackson (Moderator) | CBS 42 News Anchor & Journalist
• Bobbie Knight | President, Miles College
• Dejuana Thompson | Creator of Woke Vote
• Tracey Morant Adams | Senior Executive Vice President, Renasant Bank 
• Te-andria Ellis | Founder of The Surge Project Inc. 
• Alexus Cumbie | Founder of Literary Vibes Birmingham 

Blueprint: Black Men Thriving

Description: Highlighting stories of trials to triumphs and what it means to be a Black man in 2020.  

The panelists include:

• Senator Corey Booker | United States Senator 
• Pastor Mike Jr. | Rock City Church 
• Damion Square | NFL Player, Los Angeles Charger
• Jeff Drew | Civil Rights Activist
• Terry Drake | Author, Coach and Entrepreneur  
• Patrick Packer | CEO of Datus Henry Industries and Co-Founder of Black People Run Bike and Swim
• Ladji Ruffin | Project Manager of the Offender Alumni Association 
• Dr. Thomas Beavers | Pastor, New Rising Star
• Tony D Christon-Walker | Director of Prevention and Community Partnerships, AIDS Alabama
• Chris Rogers | Founder of Together Assisting People (TAP)
• Brandon Davis | Educator at Birmingham City Schools 

Passing the Torch

Description: A dialogue about how the next generation is leading the charge to equality and fairness for all.

The panelists include:

• Jordyn Hudson (Moderator) | Shape The Culture, Founder
• Jordan Davis | Host, Poppin’ Policies Podcast
• Austin Smith | Student Organizer, Doug Jones For Senate Campaign
• Caleb Neverson | Chairman, NAACP Youth Council
• Chad Freeman | Community Organizer, Woke Vote
• Kameryn Thigpen | Community Organizer, Woke Vote

Ready to RSVP? You can find the link online at freedomfestbhm.com, or go directly to the RSVP page here.

What part of this year’s Freedom Fest are you most looking forward to? Share it with us on social at @BhamNow on Facebook and Instagram, or @Now_Bham on Twitter.