HCHC and Who We Be! Announce Fireside Chat Speakers for Juneteenth Week
May 27, 2026, Albany, Hudson, Catskill, NY — The Hudson/Catskill Housing Coalition and Who We Be! are proud to announce the featured speakers for the Juneteenth Week Fireside Chat Series taking place June 15-17 at True North, 223 Old Route 82, Livingston, NY. The fireside chats are part of the larger Juneteenth Week series of free community events happening June 15-19.
Each evening will begin with a free community meal at 6:00 p.m., followed by fireside chats at 8:00 p.m. The multi-day gathering will bring together organizers, activists, and faith leaders to engage the community in conversations around housing justice, migration, global solidarity, and the role of Black churches during moments of political and social crisis.
Featured speakers include:
Overseer Dr. Stephanie Blanks, Pastor of New Jerusalem Christian Church in Springfield, GA, and founder of A Miracle Making Moment Ministry
Claire Cousin, Co-Founder of the Hudson/Catskill Housing Coalition, Director of Youth Power at Kite’s Nest, and Co-Founder of the Social Justice Leadership Academy
Afeni Evans, activist and organizer, a Movement 4 Black Lives Electoral Justice Table member, former regional field lead for The Green Party, and forever frontline from the George Floyd Uprising
Dawèdo Sanon, Haitian community activist and organizer with Columbia County Sanctuary Movement (CCSM)
Reverend Dr. Shanell E. Turpin, Senior Pastor of Second Baptist Church in Catskill, NY.
Juneteenth Week Fireside Chat Schedule
Monday, June 15 at 8:00 p.m.
Community organizers Claire Cousin and Dawèdo Sanon will lead the discussion on displacement, housing injustice, migration, and the shared struggle for safety, dignity, and home.
Tuesday, June 16 at 8:00 p.m.
Afeni Evans will facilitate the conversation on global Black struggle, solidarity across movements, and what collective liberation requires of us today.
Wednesday, June 17 at 8:00 p.m.
Overseer Dr. Stephanie Blanks and Reverend Dr. Shanell E. Turpin will lead the fireside chat exploring the responsibility of Black faith institutions in movements for justice and community care.
“This year’s fireside chat series brings together organizers, faith leaders, and movement builders whose work reflects the urgency of this moment,” said Shirle Cross, Co-Founder and Board Chair of HCHC. “By offering free meals and free public programming, we hope to create space for meaningful dialogue, connection, and collective care throughout Juneteenth Week.”
Throughout Juneteenth Week, attendees will have opportunities to engage in community-centered programming including movement-building conversations, wellness offerings, shared dinners, swimming, games, and evening fireside discussions.
Those interested in attending can RSVP using the link below: https://bit.ly/hchcjuneteenth
Juneteenth Week organizers invite local vendors, sponsors, artists, and community organizations to join in supporting this year’s programming. Those interested in partnering can reach out directly at hchc@hudsoncatskillhousing.org.
HCHC and Who We Be! also recognize and thank the organizations helping support Juneteenth Week, including the Ralph E. Ogden Foundation, CREATE Council on the Arts, Operation Unite NY, and Albany Free School.
For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact: hchc@hudsoncatskillhousing.org
About the Hudson/Catskill Housing Coalition
The Hudson/Catskill Housing Coalition is a Black-led nonprofit advancing housing justice, education equity, and criminal justice reform across the Hudson Valley and Capital Region. HCHC leads the Albany Free School and works across generations to build grassroots power through organizing, advocacy, and cultural programming. In partnership with community members, HCHC creates space for Black, Brown, low-income, and working-class families to thrive.
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Media Contact:
Hudson/Catskill Housing Coalition
communications@hudsoncatskillhousing.org
