"With so much violence, hatred and terror in the world around us there seems to be no space to speak and organize around issues that face transgender, queer and gender non-conforming people of color. That's why we've created the #BlackExcellenceTour, to fight back against the injustices we face everyday." – CeCe McDonald
In 2016 Joshua Allen and CeCe McDonald started the #BlackExcellenceTour as a social justice project that combats violence against trans, gender non-conforming and queer people of color. We use art, activism, and storytelling to bring attention to issues affecting our communities and to begin having discussions about justice, freedom and equality that includes those living at the intersection of marginal identities.
Doing this work has been extremely rewarding and challenging. Throughout this past year alone we've facilitated workshops, delivered keynotes, and led discussions around these issues in over 18 cities and reached thousands of people. Unfortunately there is a real lack of funding and support for our grassroots organizing work.
With rollbacks in basic human rights protections and rising trends in violence and incarceration that disproportionately impacts trans and gender non-conforming people of color it is more important now than ever that we fund resistance that is for and by the people most impacted!
The #BlackExcellenceTour is rooted in the tradition of civil rights and anti-apartheid activists, as we bring the perspectives and power of black, queer, trans/gender non-conforming and femme lives to our organizing, education, and advocacy. We center those who have been most marginalized. We share knowledge and build power to dismantle the systemic and structural oppression we live within. We fight back against forces working to render us silent and reclaim our bodies, voices, and lives.
We need funding to build power and support community organizing efforts for the upcoming year. We will present free public workshops and trainings, and organize direct actions to address policing, prison abolition, body autonomy, reproductive justice, trans resilience, and other areas of immediate concern and impact in this harrowing time. We begin our work in our local communities, and build national and international connections and momentum. Together we organize and build power, voice, and visibility, to bring about truly transformational change.
Support the #BlackExcellenceTour today to uplift trans resilience, black love, and organizing for us by us!
Who We Are:
CeCe McDonald is a black trans woman, activist & speaker. Rising to international recognition after surviving a white supremacist & transphobic attack, CeCe has quickly become an icon in the LGBTQ community. She fosters important conversations around mass incarceration, sexuality & violence and is the star of the recently released feature length documentary about her life & story, Free Cece!
Joshua Allen is a community organizer and abolitionist whose work revolves around issues of race, gender and policing. Their work of coordinating direct actions, movement building and analyzing the intersections of race and gender has been a beacon of inspiration for communities seeking change. At 21, Joshua is recognized as leading the cutting edge of new social & political movements. They have organized campaigns for justice in countries across the globe.
Upcoming #BlackExcellenceTour Stops:
3/17- Haverford College
4/4- Florida State University
4/6- Syracuse University
