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Sunday PlatformVideo

Deputy Mayor J. Phillip Thompson: “Celebrating Juneteenth: Where is the Joy in Freedom?”

By June 7, 2021June 25th, 2021No Comments

Honoring the history of Black Liberation struggles and the particular uprisings of 2020 and 2021, the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture is proud to host, along with other ethical and humanist societies, a Juneteenth celebration entitled “Where is the Joy in Freedom?” with guest speaker NYC Deputy Mayor J. Phillip Thompson. As Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives Phil Thompson led the campaign for Juneteenth to be recognized as an official holiday in New York City and New York State. He is the author of Double Trouble: Black Mayors, Black Communities and the Call for a Deep Democracy.

The celebration also features musicians DuPree, Lindsey Wilson and Barry Kornhauser and poets Valerie Verdia and Kim Brandon.

This multi-society platform was hosted by the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture.


Sunday Platform is our most important and long-standing community event. These gatherings educate, stimulate personal growth, inspire reflection and action, and strengthen our community. Sunday meetings usually begin with music, followed by greetings and a talk given by a Society Leader, member, or guest.  Platforms cover a variety of topics that reflect current events, pressing social issues, and Ethical Culture philosophy. A collection basket is passed and money is shared between the Society and a charity selected for that day.  While contributions are always appreciated, Sunday meetings are free and open to the public.  Each Sunday meeting is followed by a luncheon and social hour.

To view previous Sunday Platform addresses and interviews, visit the Ethical NYC YouTube channel.

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