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ATLANTA — The State of the People Tour has shattered the myth that Black communities are standing idle and popping fans while facing growing attacks on their rights. In a political climate fueled by President Donald Trump’s policies—leading to book bans targeting Black history, political threats against the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, and renewed efforts to suppress the Black vote—the tour stands as a powerful testament to Black resilience, unity, and organizing strength.
More than 500 people came together in Atlanta this weekend to launch the historic 12-city initiative, aimed at rallying, restoring, and reimagining the future of Black communities across the United States.
The weekend-long event was hosted at Atlanta Technical College and The dReam Center Church of Atlanta. It brought together grassroots organizing, community service, and visionary leadership. More than 20 local organizations, 100 national groups, and 500 volunteers supported the launch. Together, they highlighted a growing demand for healing, strategic action, and collective power during a time of heightened social and political challenges.
State of the People Tour Builds Momentum with Atlanta Workshops and Rally
“We’re not just here to make noise—we’re here to make history,” said Tamika Mallory, founder of Until Freedom. “The State of the People isn’t a moment; it’s a movement powered by truth, strategy, and the unapologetic brilliance of Black communities. Atlanta proved that when we show up, we shift the narrative.”
Saturday’s programming featured community workshops and service projects focused on food and farming. It also included a public field hearing with MSNBC host Joy Reid, NAACP President Derrick Johnson, NCBCP leader Melanie Campbell, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, and Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-4). Workshops addressed education, healing justice, and grassroots power-building, strengthening the foundations for future city stops.
On Sunday, the momentum continued at The dReam Center Church, where a high-energy rally amplified calls to action. Congresswoman Nikema Williams, Dream Leadership founder Ryan Wilson, pastor and author Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, rapper Dee-1, entrepreneur Pinky Cole, and students from Clark Atlanta and Morehouse delivered powerful messages. They urged the community to invest in long-term, sustainable change.
“When faith meets action, miracles happen,” said Dr. Bryant. “Atlanta didn’t just gather; we galvanized. When our community moves together, we build a strong economic future. The Spirit moved, and now we carry that fire to every city ahead.”
NAACP President Derrick Johnson echoed that momentum: “This weekend, and this tour, represent a shift for Black folks. We are building spaces for us, and organizing with love. These are challenging times, and not only are we the descendants of movements of resilience, but we are actively imagining and building our future together.”
From Livestream to Legacy: State of the People Tour Charts a New Course
The State of the People Power Tour will visit 11 more cities in 2025, delivering a model of community-centered leadership, healing, and activism to Black communities nationwide.
Organizers say the movement is about more than convening—it’s about building sustainable infrastructure for generations to come.
“The future we need isn’t going to be handed to us,” Mallory said. “We’re building it city by city, voice by voice, hand in hand.”
Last month, the State of the People tour kicked off with a 24-hour livestream. It offered a powerful alternative to President Donald Trump’s address to Congress. Organized by State of the People and Black Voters Matter, the event brought together Black leaders, elected officials, and more. Together, they delivered an unfiltered account of the nation’s true condition.
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