Photography by Evy Mages, Day 1 Pictures, and Greta Pratt

2023 Fall Concert

October 16, 2023

“It’s time we speak truth, into power … then that power to action. And if we have a VOTE we have a chance … a chance to make it matter.” —Paine the Poet, JusticeAid artist-in-residence

JusticeAid’s 2023 Fall Benefit Concert with Tank and the Bangas was a sold-out success and a joyful evening for one and all. We were thrilled to see so many of you on your feet dancing in celebration of the music and the transformational work of grantee partner Black Voters Matter (BVM). 100% of donations and proceeds from the event will go to BVM. Thank you to our donors, ticket buyers, sponsors, and presenters for a magical night! If you have not yet pitched in, please do so today.

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A WARM WELCOME

“We’re working toward building what Dr. King called “Beloved Community,” expressed JusticeAid CEO Founder Steve Milliken and Board President Kim Coaxum in their welcoming remarks to the evening’s sponsors and guests.

Following a powerful spoken word performance by JusticeAid artist-in-residence Paine the Poet, board member Heather Pinckney, Director of DC Public Defender Service, paid tribute to Harvard Law Professor and mentor Charles Ogletree (1952-2023)—an inspiration to her personally, to many guests in attendance, and in civil rights communities far and wide. Latosha Brown and Cliff Albright, Co-Founders of Black Voters Matter, delivered a motivating cry for voter equality in marginalized communities before airing a short film on BVM produced by board members and filmmakers Ray Conley (Brave Dog Productions) and Natalie Jowett. Board members Mark Rochon, Brandi Harden, and Preston Pugh exuded warmth and gratitude for the funds raised in support of the vital work of Black Voters Matter.

THE SHOW!

It didn’t take long to understand why Tank and the Bangas are hailed as one of the planet’s most thrilling, unpredictable, and sonically diverse bands—a unit where jazz meets hip-hop, soul meets rock, and funk is the beating heart of everything they do. The band gave their all to connect with the crowd and get them swinging to the music and on their feet—not bad for a Monday night!

Many thanks to Tarriona “Tank” Ball (lead vocals), Joshua Johnson (drums), and Norman Spence (keys) of Tank and the Bangas, and to Kris Sykes (Paine the Poet).

THE JUSTICEAID FAMILY!

Thanks to our sponsors, ticket buyers, table hosts, host committee, and so many donors like you, whose contributions are fueling the fight against racist voter suppression.

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Black Voters Matter works with grassroots organizations, specifically in key states in the South, to increase voter registration and turnout, advocate for policies to expand voting rights/access, and support a power-building movement that keeps Black voters and their issues at the forefront of our election process. If you have not already contributed, please give generously. Many thanks.

Follow JusticeAid on Instagram for updates on future concerts and other programs.