Media advocacy groups, civic organization hosts event for community advocates, organizers and cultural influencers to bring awareness to how advocacy, culture, media intersect

Alabama Values, Alabama Forward and Spotlight PR are teaming up with the Power On the Line Movement to host Power On The Line Homecoming, an event for advocates, organizers and cultural influencers to shine a light on the points where advocacy/activism and culture and media intersect.

The event is set for Friday, September 23, 2022, on the campus of Alabama State University, one of Alabama’s 14 historically black colleges and universities and at the heart of the civil and voting rights movement.

“We will gather at Alabama State University in the spirit of Jo Anne Robinson to think, plan and create strategies to expand democracy and build power in our communities,” said Evan Milligan, executive director of Alabama Forward. “We look forward to seeing you there.”

The day will feature panels, breakout sessions, and film and discussions regarding using your voice for change. The event will also raise awareness around what’s on the line ahead of several landmark Supreme Court cases that will have an impact on voting rights, democracy and voting power of minority communities.

“Through art and culture we are able to define the world in great detail. It provides an opportunity for us to reflect on where we are as a society and where we hope to be in the future,” said Anneshia Hardy, executive director of Alabama Values. “The Power On The Line Homecoming will bring together groups throughout Alabama and neighboring states to explore the attacks on democracy and how they can use their influence for change.”

During the culturally-centered breakouts, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about current fights for democracy and examine how film, hip-hop, and culture continue to play an integral role in activism and social change. Attendees will also have an opportunity to explore ways to leverage culture and influence to get involved in advocating for change and get involved in the current fight for voting rights and fair representation.

For lunch, there will be a Food For Thought event with a keynote speaker. Event updates will be posted to the event page leading up to the day of the event.

“The Power on the Line Homecoming is an incredible opportunity to make real and tangible Alabama’s fight for equitable and fair maps,” said Jennifer R. Farmer, founder, Spotlight PR LLC. “This is an event everyone can participate in.”

The event is free and open to the public, but there is limited availability. Registration is required. Space is limited. To register, click here.

Trap Democracy Festival

After attending the Power On The Line Homecoming events, participants will have the opportunity to join Shake the Field, an Alabama Forward initiative that operates at the intersection of culture and civic engagement, at their Trap Democracy Festival.

The event will be held at The King’s Canvas, located at 1413 Oak St., in Montgomery from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. The festival will fuse various aspects of Black culture with a heavy emphasis on trap music and trap culture with messaging about the importance of civic participation and having every person’s voice heard in the governing of communities and country, especially those who do not typically participate by voting in elections.

The festival have a block party feel and feature a lineup of local artists providing music throughout the event, food trucks and local small businesses and artists showcasing their artwork, products and services.