Black Leaders Host 24-Hour State of the People as Alternative to Trump Address

As President Donald Trump is set to address a deeply divided U.S. Congress and Nation tonight, Black leaders across the nation are assembling virtually in a 24-Hour State of the People livestream. This inaugural event delivers an unfiltered assessment of the nation’s true condition, featuring urgent conversations on civil rights, racial justice, and democracy.

The event, set to begin at 11:59 p.m. ET on March 3 and run through March 4, will feature powerhouse voices, including journalist Joy Reid, who will make her first public appearance since departing MSNBC. Other prominent speakers include Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. James E. Clyburn, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, and author Ibram X. Kendi.

The organizers behind State of the People say the event is a direct response to the policies and rhetoric of the Trump administration, which they argue has prioritized far-right interests over the well-being of Black Americans.

Greenwood’s Own Damario Solomon-Simmons Joins National Leaders for 24-Hour Livestream on Civil Rights and Democracy

Greenwood native, Attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons, lead attorney for the Justice For Greenwood campaign, is set to join national leaders.

“I’m excited and proud to join fellow activists, civil rights leaders, issue experts, and elected officials for the 24-hour State of the People livestream. This event is for the people, by the people,” Solomon-Simmons said. “We know we need each other now more than ever because we are in a constitutional crisis and our lives are at stake. We all know we are witnessing a restriction on civil rights, job access, freedom of speech, and more.  Of course, we do not know what’s next, but we cannot let it go unchecked and unchallenged. 

Solomon-Simmons is scheduled to appear on the livestream at 8 pm CT/ 9 pm ET.

From rollbacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to mass layoffs of federal workers, the livestream will highlight the real-life impact of government policies and discuss the grassroots organizing needed to protect Black communities over the next four years.

A Historic Gathering of Black Voices

The livestream, hosted by State of the People and Black Voters Matter, will be broadcast on YouTube. It will feature an extensive lineup of influential Black leaders, including:

• Elected Officials: Rep. Maxine Waters, James E. Clyburn, Jasmine Crockett, Hakeem Jeffries, Yvette Clarke, Robin Kelly, Glenn Ivey, and Nikema Williams
• Journalists & Commentators: Joy Reid, Don Lemon, Angela Rye, Keith Boykin, Elie Mystal, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, and Clay Cane
• Activists & Advocates: Ben Crump, Rashad Robinson, Tamika D. Mallory, LaTosha Brown, Cliff Albright, and Dr. Brittney Cooper
• Faith & Civil Rights Leaders: Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant, Bishop Leah Daughtry, and Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III
• Reproductive Justice & Women’s Rights Advocates: Fatima Goss Graves, Brittany Fonteno, Monica Simpson, and Regina Davis Moss

How to Watch State of the People

When: March 3, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET – March 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET
Where: State of the People Livestream and Black Voters Matter on YouTubeWith democracy, racial justice, and civil rights at stake, State of the People aims to give the American public the information and mobilization strategies needed to not just survive—but thrive.