Author: Spotlight Team

WASHINGTON – Over the past several months, organizers, volunteers and candidates have gone door-to-door encouraging voters to harness their power and turn out to vote. But after candidates and their campaigns have said all the right things, shown up to all the must-attend events, and pledged their support to all the causes that matter, accountability season begins.

“Accountability season starts now,” said Dr. David Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Collective and Editor-in-Chief of The Black Papers. “The 2026 midterm elections are over, and we still have work to do. Every elected official who won, and every candidate who wants our votes in 2028, must answer to the agenda that matters most to the American people.”

Now that the election has passed, we turn our focus to:

1. Building Political Power. We are fighting for policies that strengthen voter protections. Voter protections are tied directly to economic power, and this is critical for allowing Black communities to control our destiny better.
2. Policies that Create & Sustain Economic Opportunity. We expect elected leaders to advance policies that reverse Black job cuts, end the education and economic policies that destroy ladders of opportunity and widen the wealth gap, and build wealth we own and keep.
3. Changing the Narrative Around Health: Supporting the Belief that Health Care is a Right. We are organizing for guaranteed health care for everyone through a single public plan that centers people first.
4. Strengthening Community Safety and Justice. We want policies that ensure safety we can feel, and justice we can see.
5. Transforming the Systems. Our goal is to unrig the economy from billionaires, end war spending Congress never authorized, and rein in AI companies and data centers.

“We are not asking for the old arrangement,” Johns added. “The old arrangement is how we got here. Black people are not asking Washington to fix a few policies. We are demanding a political and economic system that works for the people, not just for billionaires. People are already having this conversation at kitchen tables, in barbershops, in group chats, and in fellowship halls. Now, we’ve written it down via The Black Papers with the hopes of making it accessible.”

“It is true that our communities need immediate action to stop acute pain. But stopping the bleeding is not freedom, and harm reduction is not the systemic overhaul we demand. This agenda makes our expectations of elected officials clear: a durable, accountable plan to transform the systems that govern wealth, health, housing, education, safety, transportation, and political power. We stop the bleeding and build power at the same time. Every fight to stop harm also builds the organizations, relationships, and leverage we need for the next fight.”

For more information, view the forthcoming book, The Black Papers: A Policy Agenda for Black Liberation in the 21st Century. The resource will be published by Routledge on Nov. 13, 2026, and includes 26 chapters and more than 100 contributors.

“Accountability season begins now – on November 4, the day after the election. It carries us through the seating of the next Congress, the shifts in power that follow, and the run-up to the next presidential election. We will not relent until our agenda is materialized in policy and practice.”

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For Immediate Release

Nov. 2, 2026

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Central Ohio is getting a bookstore; this time in Columbus’ historic Olde Towne East neighborhood. Spotlight Books LLC will open its doors on November 21 at noon. The bookstore is owned by Jennifer R. Farmer, who leads the social justice public relations firm, Spotlight PR LLC. This Black woman-owned bookstore ushers in a new era for Olde Towne East as it’s the community’s first brick and mortar bookstore in more than a decade.

“When I was a child, Mount Vernon Avenue on Columbus’ East Side was a hub for culture, connection and community. The one thing that was missing was a bookstore,” said Jennifer R. Farmer, the founder of Spotlight Books. “Bookstores are often accessible in Columbus’ higher-income neighborhoods. Spotlight Books exists to give every child and young person on the Near East Side a place to stimulate their minds, sharpen their intellect, and spur a lifelong passion for learning.”

Spotlight Books is a culmination of Farmer’s professional work as a public relations expert of more than 24 years, a Columbus, Ohio native, author and booklover. The store will carry new and gently used books from authors from all backgrounds, with a focus on children’s and social justice titles. It will also showcase titles from Spotlight PR’s brilliantly gifted clients and partners, such as Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter, author of “Radical Reparations: Healing the Soul of a Nation;” Miami-based Ruth Jeannoel, author of “Restorative Practices: Circle Keeping for Community Healing;” D.C.-based Deepa Iyer, author of “We Are the Builders;” and Dr. David Johns, editor in chief of “The Black Papers: A Policy Agenda for Black Liberation in the 21st Century.”

The grand opening event will offer a first look at the store, an unveiling of murals created by acclaimed artist Nichole Burton; and jewelry created by local artist Beryl Thompson. This event will take place at noon on Nov. 21^st at 107 Parsons Avenue in Columbus, Ohio. Members of the media who are interested in attending should RSVP by emailing press@spotlightpr.org.

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Jennifer R. Farmer is an entrepreneur who values faith, community, and service. Since 2017, she has run the social justice public relations firm, Spotlight PR LLC, which works with leaders and organizations committed to social good. Spotlight Books grew out of that same commitment: to offer insightful, culturally uplifting books that inspire curiosity and a passion for learning in young readers.

• Adopt a Precinct and Daily Canvass Operations
• Daily Phone Banking and Text A Thons
• Election Protection Support
• Election Day Coverage via the Justice Broadcasting Network

For Immediate Release
June 9, 2026

National Black Justice Collective, United by Equity, Black Music Action Coalition, and Other Civil Rights, LGBTQ+ Equality, Reproductive Health, and Immigrant Rights Orgs Host Equity Week 2026

The Series of Events Will Spotlight Reparative Justice, Equity-Driven Legislation, Civic Engagement, Racial Healing, and Black LGBTQ+/SGL Cultural Power.

WASHINGTON—From Thursday, June 11 to Friday, June 12, the National Black Justice Collective (NBJC), alongside United by Equity, Black Music Action Coalition, and a broad coalition of racial justice, civic engagement, and community partners, will host National Equity Week 2026 — a multi-day convening focused on reparative justice, public policy advocacy, racial healing, and Black LGBTQ+/SGL cultural celebration.

At a time when attacks on diversity, equity, inclusion, voting rights, LGBTQ+/SGL communities, and historically honest education continue escalating nationwide, Equity Week 2026 will bring together advocates, scholars, artists, elected leaders, ballroom houses, students, and community members to build power, deepen civic engagement, and advance conversations around repair, equity, democracy, and liberation.

OUT ON THE HILL

Date: Thursday, June 11
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST
Location: Capitol Visitor’s Center South Congressional Meeting Room (CVC 268)

Participants will meet directly with members of Congress and congressional staff to advocate for legislation impacting Black, LGBTQ+/SGL, and marginalized communities. The day will focus on hands-on civic engagement, advocacy training, and coalition-building around issues including reparative justice, voting rights, healthcare equity, education, and civil rights protections. The event will kick off with a reparations press conference hosted by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) at the House Triangle.

RACIAL HEALING CIRCLE

Date: Friday, June 12
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
Location: Busboys and Poets, 14th and V

This community-centered listening session and panel discussion, co-hosted with the Sue Aft Memorial and George Mason University, will convene Equity Week leadership and attendees for a conversation focused on racial healing, repair, and the work required to build more just and equitable communities.

THE EQUITY BALL

Date: Friday, June 12
Time: 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM EST
Location: Howard Theatre

The Equity Ball will close Equity Week with a powerful celebration of ballroom culture, Black queer artistry, and civic engagement. Legendary houses will compete in categories centered on community impact and empowerment, with cash prizes awarded throughout the evening in a vibrant showcase of Black LGBTQ+/SGL excellence, creativity, resilience, and joy.

SEE THE FULL LIST OF EVENTS AND REGISTER TO ATTEND HERE

“Equity is not a trend, slogan, or political talking point; it is a moral and democratic imperative imprinted by our Founders as vital to the success of the American experiment,” said Dr. David J. Johns, CEO & Executive Director of the National Black Justice Collective. “Equity Week exists to remind this nation that repair requires action — action from lawmakers, institutions, communities, and each of us. In this moment of escalating attacks on Black history, LGBTQ+/SGL people, education, and democracy itself, gathering together in truth, culture, and collective power is both necessary and transformative.”

“I am grateful to return to this event with the wonderful community doing this work,” said Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter, executive director of United by Equity. “As we gather ahead of Juneteenth, we want people to know that the holiday was always intended to be accompanied by reparations. No matter the challenges we face, we will continue the pursuit of healing, repair, and justice for everyone.”

“We are not at an arbitrary crossroads; we are inside of a reckoning,” said Dreisen Heath, Founder of the Why We Can’t Wait Reparations Network. “The attacks on Black history, voting rights, economic mobility, and other civil rights protections are not separate crises — they are predictable consequences of a country that has never settled its debts. Reparative justice can’t wait for the right political and social climate; it is the floor beneath every fight for Black freedom and liberation. Equity Week is where that understanding becomes action.”

If you are interested in learning more about National Equity Week, Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter, Organizer, UCLA professor, and executive director of United by Equity, is available to discuss what’s in store and the coalition’s continued calls for elected leaders to take up and pass federal racial equity and reparations legislation.

For Immediate Release 
March 12, 2026 

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI – Missourians overwhelmingly agree that living a healthy life requires more than access to medical care. According to a statewide survey, Speak Up MO, commissioned by Missouri Foundation for Health, residents view good jobs, quality schools and libraries, low levels of crime, and treating people with respect as essential for building healthy communities.

The poll surveyed more than 1,800 Missourians, and conducted focus groups with roughly 70 community members, gauging their views on a range of issues including physical and mental health, civic engagement, the economy, financial well-being, and belonging. The findings offer a look at Missourians’ priorities and concerns about what they need to thrive.

Key findings include:

● Cost of living and the cost of health care continue to be dominant concerns for Missourians.
● 97% of Missourians view high-quality jobs as the primary factor for a healthy community.
● Most Missourians report a feeling of belonging in their community, but some groups, notably Latinos and LGBTQ+ Missourians feel that way at much lower rates.
● More than half of Missourians experienced mental strain last year. Those reporting difficulty accessing mental health care increased from 39% in 2024 to 52% in 2025.
● Just 10% of residents feel they can meaningfully impact or influence community decisions; this cuts across party lines.

“These findings reaffirm what we hear every day. Missourians know what it takes to build thriving communities,” said Sheldon Weisgrau, Vice President of Health Policy and Advocacy, Missouri Foundation for Health. “They want meaningful jobs with fair pay and good benefits, strong community connections, and access to affordable care, among other things. When we align our policy priorities around what Missourians say they value, we move closer to a Missouri where everyone has what they need to live their healthiest lives.”

Belonging
The data also outlined areas for elected officials and community leaders to further explore. For instance, Latino and LGBTQ+ residents reported lower rates of belonging than other groups surveyed. A strong sense of belonging supports overall health by increasing the likelihood that an individual perceives themselves as having places where they can access support and successfully manage the stressors of everyday life.

Health Care
The report also highlighted growing concerns around health care accessibility and affordability. Most Missourians rely on coverage through an employer, Medicare, or a spouse’s plan. Additionally, many respondents reported having a lapse in health care coverage at some point in the year. This means many may have gone without care, racked up medical debt, or redirected household funds to cover medical expenses.

Mental Health Care
At least 52% of residents reported mental strain last year, and more than half had difficulty accessing mental health care. This challenge was especially pronounced among marginalized groups, with 68% of Latinos, 67% of LGBTQ individuals, and 59% of women reporting difficulty. Black Missourians also cited health care discrimination, particularly in mental health.

About the Poll
This study was conducted in collaboration with bipartisan polling partners, FM3 Research and New Bridge Strategy, utilizing a combination of surveys conducted among 1,833 adult Missourians. The data was collected in English and Spanish via phone, online surveys, and in-person focus groups. The margin of sampling error was +/- 2.3@ at the 95% confidence level.

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Missouri Foundation for Health is building a more equitable future through collaboration, convening, knowledge sharing, and strategic investment. Working in partnership with communities and nonprofits, MFH is transforming systems to promote fairness within all aspects of health and addressing the social and economic factors that shape health outcomes.

NEW YORK – On March 7, 1965, over 600 men, women, and children began to march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., to protest the suppression of Black voters. Segregationists injured 58 people that day, from tear gas burns to skull fractures. After seeing this cruelty, demonstrators rose across the country and President Lyndon B. Johnson vowed to make the Voting Rights Act law. At the successful march two weeks later, over 25,000 people arrived at the state capitol in Montgomery.

In remembrance of the 61st anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the events surrounding it, United Women in Faith today issued the following statement, which can be attributed to its general secretary and CEO, Sally Vonner:

“United Women in Faith remembers the legacy of those who risked life and limb in pursuit of the right to vote. Although it has been 61 years since Bloody Sunday, we know that the fight for voting rights — and a truthful telling of our history — continues.

“In the same way that our foremothers and ancestors stood against segregation and fought for civil rights, we lift our voices today. We may not all feel the brunt of an officer’s baton, but we are still fighting against repressive forces who stand in opposition to voter access for all. Proposed and enacted legislation threatens access to voter registration and paths to the ballot box for many women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color. Our country’s history advocating for racial justice and civil rights has been labeled ‘divisive,’ and those in power are trying to hide it. We will raise our voices and take action to ensure we do not lose the lessons of our past.

“We share our appreciation for those who fought so women and people of color could exercise their right to vote, and we follow in their footsteps in pursuit of justice. We will not let their stories be erased or their work be undone.

“On this 61st anniversary of Bloody Sunday and every day, we honor the sacrifices of past generations and look ahead to the work that is left to be done. Each of us has a responsibility to pick up the torch and champion pathways to voting that are free and accessible to all.”

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United Women in Faith is the largest denominational organization for women in the United States.

OLYMPIA, Wash. — As Washington state looks to be the third state in the nation to pursue a statewide reparations study, Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter today released an open letter to Washington State Attorney General Nicholas Brown. Dr. Hunter is a professor of Sociology and African American Studies and the author of “Radical Reparations: Healing the Soul of a Nation.”

This letter followed Dr. Hunter’s struggle to obtain a debrief and submit a protest regarding the process and selection in the State of Washington Department of Commerce’s Charles Mitchell and George Washington Bush Study on Reparative Action. His experiencing studying and contributing to reparations commissions situate him as a clear expert for the study, yet he was repeatedly denied the due process that he was entitled to.

As an esteemed academic with nationwide recognition for his reparations research and advocacy, Dr. Hunter raised concerns about the harms caused by procedural failures and performative equity when considering reparations.

“Reparations demand more than aspiration,” Dr. Hunter said. “They demand institutional courage. They demand procedural truth. This request is not about reversing an award. It is about safeguarding the architecture of justice at the very moment a state attempts to give it form.”

The open letter to State Attorney General Nicholas Brown is available in its entirety here: https://www.marcusanthonyhunter.com/rol

If you are interested in discussing this matter with Dr. Hunter further, please contact press@spotlightpr.org.

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Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter is a sociologist and public scholar whose work focuses on Black communities, urban policy, and reparative justice. He is the author of “Radical Reparations: Healing the Soul of a Nation.”

For Immediate Release

SELMA – As over 40 million Americans grappled with the reality of not being able to feed themselves or their families due to SNAP delays, Revolve Fund is seeking to help. Revolve Fund today announced a $20,000 community grant to the Black Belt Community Foundation as part of the duo’s continued partnership. The grant will increase the foundation’s capacity to execute programs and fundraise to support food access efforts in the Alabama Black Belt region.

“Revolve Fund complements its core mission of improving capital access for entrepreneurs by partnering with leading organizations that are addressing critical community needs,” said James Wahls, Founder and Managing Director, Revolve Fund. “Like BBCF, Revolve understands at the most fundamental level, everyone should have access to healthy food.”

“BBCF is deeply grateful for the Revolve Fund’s grant to underwrite direct food support in the Black Belt during the current disruption of SNAP benefits, continuing high food costs and unprecedented strain on our local food banks,” said Christopher Spencer, President & CEO, Black Belt Community Foundation. “As BBCF mobilizes resources and community partners during this time, Revolve is one of the first philanthropic organizations to step forward to support our Food for Families in the Black Belt Campaign. We look ahead to our productive, continued partnership with them to positively impact and transform the Black Belt region of Alabama.”

“While our communities need and deserve so much more, we hope our contribution will support the foundation’s ability to work with other philanthropic partners, individual donors, charities, and public partners.” Wahls added.

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