Social Justice Symposium

The Social Justice Symposium Teen Planning Committee supports the Concerned Black Workers of the Free Library of Philadelphia!

We are Philadelphia high school and college students who have been working for several weeks to plan the Free Library’s fifth annual Social Justice Symposium, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday August 1. We have watched the Concerned Black Workers advocate for their safety and well being. But their demands have not been met.

After reading the Board of Trustees response letter, we have decided to cancel our event. We are outraged, sad, and disappointed in the leadership of the Free Library for their inadequate and dismissive response.

Although the Symposium is an opportunity for young activists to learn and grow together, we as a Committee feel that being in solidarity with the Concerned Black Workers is the best way to move toward radical change in the Free Library system.

#BlackWorkersMatter


Young people ages 12 to 20, join us for the Free Library's fifth annual Social Justice Symposium, a day that will celebrate youth voices and inspire the activists of tomorrow!

This free virtual program will provide a safe space where young people can meet like-minded activists and educate themselves so they’re better equipped for the Revolution. Be inspired by Brandon Gonzalez’s Keynote Talk and connect to local resources through our Digital Resource Fair. Participate in workshops on: Being Anti-Racist, Digital Safety for LGBTQ Youth, Suicide Prevention, Know Your Rights, and Capitalism and War. Be the change to lead your community!

Online registration is required at: https://forms.gle/Tg12A6fqzYGosYKB8.

Keynote Speaker: Brandon Gonzalez is a Queer AfroLatinx writer and organizer based in The Bronx, New York. They are a sophomore at Oswego State University, with positions ranging from Director of Programming for the Black Student Union and Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Focusing on educational Equity work in their earlier activism, Brandon now has a hyperfocus on Racial and LGBTQIA+ Justice through digital teach-ins.

Leading up to the Symposium, join us for three workshops that will explore racial justice in America on these Fridays at 12 pm:
- July 10 (https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/101158
- July 17 (https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/101178
- July 24 (https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/101159)

This program has been made possible with generous support from the Philadelphia City Institute Board of Managers.

#socialjustice #racialjustice #economicjustice