In honor of Juneteenth the IISE Social Justice Advocacy Group presents: Where Art Creates Action!

Juneteenth calls us to reflect not only on the moment freedom was declared, but on the ongoing struggle to fully realize it. As we gather, we hold the tension between that historic breakthrough and the present-day realities where many freedoms continue to be restricted, redefined and eroded.

This showcase begins with an emotional release exercise, followed by a workshop facilitated by Dr. Chrissy Stachl, alongside an online gallery, performances, artist talk, and a community discussion.

Rather than focusing solely on what is broken, this event asks: what does freedom truly look like today? What would it mean to build a country rooted in genuine liberty and justice? We invite artists and performers to submit works that examine how our systems and economy have been shaped by fear, hierarchy, and control and to reimagine them grounded in dignity with care, and collective well-being.

Through this community gathering, we will engage the political and social climate with honesty and courage, asking bold questions like: What is enough? Why must “more” be the measure of success? And who gets to define freedom?

Where Art Creates Action! is more than an event, it is a reminder that freedom has never been free. It has always required vision, resistance, and community. We are creating space not only to speak and be heard, but to imagine and begin building a future where everyone is lifted up, basic needs are met, and care replaces fear as the foundation of our collective liberation.