About this Event
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, the National Reparations Network, in close collaboration with the Reparation Education Project, will host the National Reparations Rally in Lansburgh Park, Washington, DC (1098 Delaware Avenue S.W.) from 11 AM to 5 PM.
This landmark event will be a vibrant and powerful demonstration of unity, featuring an array of speakers, cultural performances, networking opportunities, an African Marketplace, and a jubilant celebration of the ongoing fight for reparations.
Michael Eric Dyson - Special Keynote Headliner with Headliners Chairman Omali Yeshitela, Robin Rue Simmons and Adjoa Aiyetoro!
Inner-Attainment featuring Ras Kass, Ayanna Gregory, Afi Soul, Free Benjamin, Luci Murphy & the Black Workers Center Chorus, Randi Payton (Pryamid Poets) & Laini Mataka!
A Day of Power, Unity, and Celebration
The National Reparations Rally is designed to bring together individuals and organizations committed to the movement for reparations for Black people in the United States. Throughout the day, attendees will experience Statements of Unity, Special Presentations, and brief Keynote Remarks from leading voices in the reparations struggle.
A major highlight of the rally will be the unveiling of an historic National Reparations Commemorative Journal, featuring articles, historical accounts, sponsorship ads, and creative expressions centered on reparations.The Rally will include representation from a broad spectrum of organizations, including Reparations Legacy Organizations, State and Local Reparations Commissions and Task Forces, Black-Led Reparations Organizations and Coalitions, Descendant Initiatives, Ally Organizations, Civil Rights and Human Rights Groups, Youth Mobilizations, Legal Organizations, Faith-Based Reparations Organizing, Arts and Culture Reparations Organizing, and Funders/Philanthropic and Corporate Supporters of Reparations.
Honoring History and Legacy
Given its location in Washington, DC, the Rally will feature a Special Presentation on the DC Compensated Emancipation Act, acknowledging a crass moment in the history of reparations.
Additionally, the Rally will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of El Hajj Malik El Shabazz (Malcolm X), celebrating his enduring influence on Black liberation and justice.
Dynamic Lineup of Speakers, Artists, and Hosts:
Festivities will be kicked off with Nana Malaya and the Malcolm X Dancers and Drummers, a heartfelt libation, and music by DJ One Luv.
Reparationists Nkechi Taifa, Salim Adofo, and Miranda Alexandria will MC the event.
The Rally’s entertainment—coined as “Inner-Attainment”—will feature performances from Ras Kass, Ayanna Gregory, Afi Soul, Free Benjamin, Luci Murphy and the Black Workers Center Chorus, and Randi Payton(Pyramid Poets). Notably, both Ras Kass will perform their original song dedicated to the Reparations Movement.
Malcolm X Commemoration Committee Chairperson Zayid Muhammad and Ayo Handy- Kendi, founder of the African American Holiday Association will speak to the importance of the Malcolm X Centennial and the need to acknowledge and celebrate holidays and significant events to the Black Experience.
A block of rooms at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel, 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA (near Reagan National Airport), have been reserved on a first come basis with a check-in on May 16 and check out on May 18, at a price of $169 per night + tax.
The deadline to book pursuant to the discount is April 22nd.
Free parking is available as well as hotel shuttle from the airport.
Here is the link to book directly at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/WASRC/G-WRSZ
For those wishing a DC alternative, we have obtained a 20% discount on room rates at the Eaton Hotel, 1201 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20005, using the code, CULTURE.
A Weekend of Reparations Activism and Culture:
The Rally is part of a larger weekend of events celebrating the Reparations Movement and the Legacy of Malcolm X:
• Friday, May 16 – Rev. Robert Turner’s historic walk from Baltimore to the White House demanding reparations. (Stay tuned)
• Saturday, May 17 – The National Reparations Rally in Lansburgh Community Park, followed by an evening celebration of Malcolm X’s birth sponsored by DC’s United Black Community, at the Thurgood Marshall Building, with Keynote Address by Rev. Benjamin Chavis, co-author of The TransAtlantic Slave Trade: Overcoming the 500-Year Legacy.
• Sunday, May 18 – Opportunities for attendees to explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the African American Civil War Museum (sneak preview before official opening), DC’s new Hip Hop Museum, or NationHouse
Watoto School’s annual anniversary dinner.
• Monday, May 19 – A Pilgrimage to Malcolm X’s burial site in New York; departing from Baltimore, MD, bus trip hosted by Brother Haki Ammi, call 410-209-9687 for details.
For more info on the NRR'25 rally and related events, please visit:
www.NationalReparationsNetwork.org
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Lansburgh Park, 1098 Delaware Avenue Southwest, Washington, United States
USD 0.00
