Mental Health Check-In on Coping with Global Atrocities⁠ ❤️⁠

We’re continuing our community mental health check-in with our esteemed wellness coach, Dominique Sade. Community members will be centered once more in a raw and honest space where everyone has the opportunity to voice their rage, sorrow, and despair in a supportive environment. ⁠

By coming together, we aim to provide a foundation of solidarity and mutual support. We recognize that the weight of these global crises can feel unbearable when faced alone. This event is intended to remind us that, together, we are stronger. We will listen, share, and heal as a community.⁠

• Date: Wednesday August 28⁠

• Time: 12 PM EST / 9 AM PST⁠

• Where: Via Zoom link in bio⁠

Please note: This event is for our registered BIPOC community *only*⁠
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*****If you’re not yet registered as a BIPOC APEX community member, please visit our community page to get registered so you can join us in this essential discussion.*****⁠

The vegan event of the summer is finally here: Black VegFest: Wellness and Liberation is happening this Saturday August 17 and the APEX Team will be there! ⁠

Details are below: ⁠

• What: Black VegFest: Wellness and Liberation⁠

• When: Saturday August 17 from 12 pm to 7 pm⁠

• Where: Lincoln Terrace Park (Brooklyn, New York)⁠

• Cost to enter: FREE! ⁠

We’ll be tabling at the event, talking to folx, sampling all the yums, and sharing the message of collective liberation. With so much going on, we are looking for 1-2 volunteers to help with some tabling and photo/video tasks – we promise it’ll be super easy and fun!

If you’re interested in volunteering with APEX this weekend, please reach out via email at info@apexadvocacy.org. ⁠
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And if you’ll just be in attendance, be sure to stop by and say hey! Nothing makes us happier than to connect with the community in person. ⁠
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See ya Saturday! 👊🏿⁠

Duration: Two hours

Open to: All animal activists in solidarity with Palestine

Link to Register:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqcu-tpjopGtatR0NcCsSt42hLUxl-uq2p#/registration

The following day, we're holding Part 2 of our impactful June 1st workshop, "Solidarity and Resistance: Animal Rights in Action." If you registered for that event, make sure to check your email for the recap we sent out, packed with resources.

Our July 20th event, "Standing with Palestine Continued," will pick up where we left off in June. We'll dive deeper into how we resist, agitate, and organize against systemic injustices. We'll also explore ways to show solidarity with our Palestinian siblings and align ourselves with global movements for justice.

This session will be a space to share heavy emotions and broken hearts. Remember, you’re not alone in this—our collective strength can help us find hope and renewal as we move forward together in our activism.

Duration: One hour

Open to: ***Registered BIPOC APEX Community Members Only***

Link to Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpceGupz0uGdOPRxisDRGkK6hGpbkTHAGz#/registration

We’re switching things up a bit. Rather than a traditional presentation by our esteemed wellness coach, Dominique Sade, we are offering the stage to you—our community members. This session will be a raw and honest space where everyone has the opportunity to voice their rage, sorrow, and despair in a supportive environment. It is a place where your emotions are not only validated but deeply understood.

In light of the overwhelming global atrocities that continue to affect us all, we felt another critical mental health check-in session the day before our workshop was warranted. But do know that these gatherings are more than just routine check-ins; it is a sanctuary space where we can collectively navigate the intense emotions that come with bearing witness to systemic injustices and violence around the world.

By coming together, we aim to provide a foundation of solidarity and mutual support. We recognize that the weight of these global crises can feel unbearable when faced alone. This event is intended to remind us that, together, we are stronger. We will listen, share, and heal as a community.

*****If you’re not yet registered as a BIPOC APEX community member, please register to join the community so you can join us in this essential discussion.*****

OUR Rage: A Liberatory Path through Grief, Anger & Love

What if your rage stems from the devastating current events and inherited generational wounds? What if your rage is an expression of unresolved grief from childhood trauma? What if your rage is born out of love and a deep desire for change? What if your rage is a fierce proclamation that "enough is enough"? What if your rage holds the key to unlocking personal and collective liberation?

"OUR Rage" is a thoughtfully curated workshop that fosters a secure and compassionate environment for you to honor and connect with your rage. Together, we will navigate the multifaceted aspects of rage as a natural response to trauma and colonialism, exploring both personal and collective experiences. We will also examine the concept of ancestral rage and its potential as a transformative force for healing and empowerment in our lives and communities.

This workshop is designed to help you not only survive but thrive in your advocacy work and personal life. Join us as we embark on this journey of self-discovery and harness the power of rage as a catalyst for profound change and liberation.

Objectives:

• Understand the roots of rage as a response to trauma and colonialism.

• Explore ancestral rage and its role in personal and collective liberation.

• Provide tools for channeling rage constructively to thrive as activists and individuals.

Agenda:

• Welcome and Introduction

• Understanding OUR Rage

• Exploring Ancestral Rage and Its Significance

• Techniques for Self-Care, Boundary-Setting, and Sustaining Energy as Activists.

• Closing Circle and Reflection

Activities/Practices:

• Guided Meditation and Journal Reflection

• Movement Practice: Expressing Rage

• Ceremonial Water Practice for Ancestors + All Oppressed Sentient Beings.

• Group Discussion on Transforming Rage Through the Lens of Grief and Love.

• Group Activity to Share Stories and Support One Another in this Process.

Materials Suggested: (all are optional, but highly recommended)

• Yoga mats or comfortable floor seating

• Journals and pens for writing exercises or art supplies for creative expression

• A glass and water for the water ceremony

Facilitator:

The workshop will be led by Dominique Sade, a seasoned facilitator and activist for activists, skilled in trauma-informed practices, somatic movements, and mindfulness & compassion practices. Her role is to create a supportive environment where advocates can safely explore and express their emotions.

Join APEX founder and executive director @soul_eubanks at Cleveland VegFest as he continues his spring speaking series on a thought-provoking exploration of the connections between animal rights and human rights.⁠

This is an introductory lecture into the philosophy of veganism as a liberation ideology and the inherent connections between animal exploitation and human rights. This presentation will highlight why animal rights is a critical component in achieving collective liberation for both animals and humans.⁠

From Metrics to Movements: A Holistic Approach to Activism Fundraising and Measuring Cultural Transformation

Join our community-only event on Friday, June 21st at 1:00 PM EST / 10:00 AM PST for an engaging and enriching 1.5-hour interactive session. We are privileged to welcome Monica Chen, Executive Director of New Roots Institute, along with Yvette Baker, our Director of Activism, as they guide us through a deep-dive discussion.

Standing for Palestine: Animal Rights in Action

In place of our scheduled training, we will be holding a special online event on June 1st at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET to provide guidance and support, as well as to organize collective action within our community. We believe it is crucial for us as animal rights activists to show up in solidarity for the oppressed and stand firmly against genocide.

Join us for this urgent and important discussion where we will:

• Provide a platform for voices to be heard.

• Discuss why it's vital for animal rights activists to stand in solidarity with all oppressed communities.

• Explore actionable steps we can take to resist such acts of violence and injustice.

Key Questions to be Addressed:

1. How can we show solidarity?

2. How can we resist these horrible acts by our governments?

3. How do we carry on and persist in our activism?

Getting It Out...Mindfully: Working with Difficult Emotions

This session will guide us through:

• Short Guided Meditation & Qigong Practice

• Group Prompts focusing on:

  • Identifying emotional triggers in advocacy work

  • Strategies for managing personal activation or triggers during conflict

• Group Sharing & Practice

• Closing Meditation

Please bring a journal/notebook for reflection and note-taking.

Unified Resistance: Understanding the Integral Role of Animal Liberation in Decolonial Activism

Join us on Saturday April 27 at 10 AM PT/1 PM EST via Zoom for an in-depth discussion on collective liberation activism that is OPEN TO ALL! 

This next training will delve into a wide range of intersectional topics, including Veganism & Classism, Western Agricultural Practices, Exploitation of Agricultural Workers, Food Apartheid, and Appropriation of Indigenous Culture - and much, much more! 

Best Practices for Social Media
– Christopher "Soul" Eubanks, Crystal Maloney Esq., Zoe Rosenberg

2:30 MST

What to consider when choosing your platform, crafting your message, and interacting with users.

https://udenver.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cuPPcIEZDayxlc2

Join APEX founder and executive director @soul_eubanks at University of Denver Sturm College of Law at 12 -1 PM MST on Thursday, April 4, as he continues his spring speaking series on a thought-provoking exploration of the connections between animal rights and human rights.⁠

This is an introductory lecture into the philosophy of veganism as a liberation ideology and the inherent connections between animal exploitation and human rights. This presentation will highlight why animal rights is a critical component in achieving collective liberation for both animals and humans.⁠

Additional presentations are scheduled for the following dates and locations: ⁠

• June 22 - Cleveland VegFest⁠

Monthly Activism Trainings Begin this Month!

Our first community-only activism training session will be held on Saturday, March 30, 1 pm ET / 10 am PT.

Our trainings will be a mix of exclusive content available only to our online community members and additional trainings open to the general public. This ensures numerous avenues for you to stay engaged with our work, whether you're deeply integrated into our community or just beginning your journey with us. These sessions are designed to educate, empower, inspire, and equip our community with knowledge and resources to bolster their activism.

This upcoming, debut event is titled, “Unity in Action: Embracing Community Care for Collective Liberation” and it’ll delve into the critical intersection of community care, wellness, and collective liberation, emphasizing the importance of solidarity with disabled community members and the rejection of ableist practices. It’ll explore how embracing diverse strategies of care within communities of color can serve as a powerful catalyst for social justice and equitable change. Through an examination of theoretical frameworks, scientific medicine, and actionable praxis, participants will be equipped to foster environments that prioritize inclusivity, health, and mutual support in the journey towards collective liberation.

In addition to the promise of being an enlightening workshop, it will also feature several amazing guest speakers!

Note: this is an event we are providing for our community members only. If you’re interested in attending events like these, you can learn more about our BIPOC Slack community and how to join here!

Join APEX founder and executive director @soul_eubanks at Harvard University at 12:15 PM as he continues his spring speaking series on a thought-provoking exploration of the connections between animal rights and human rights.⁠

This is an introductory lecture into the philosophy of veganism as a liberation ideology and the inherent connections between animal exploitation and human rights. This presentation will highlight why animal rights is a critical component in achieving collective liberation for both animals and humans.⁠

Additional presentations are scheduled for the following dates and locations: ⁠

• April 6 - University of Denver Sturm College of Law⁠

• June 22 - Cleveland VegFest⁠

* The events are only open to students of the universities where the presentation will take place!

Join APEX founder and executive director @soul_eubanks at Emory University (Atlanta) at 7:30 PM as he kicks off his spring speaking series on a thought-provoking exploration of the connections between animal rights and human rights.⁠

This is an introductory lecture into the philosophy of veganism as a liberation ideology and the inherent connections between animal exploitation and human rights. This presentation will highlight why animal rights is a critical component in achieving collective liberation for both animals and humans.⁠

Additional presentations are scheduled for the following dates and locations: ⁠

• March 28 - Harvard University⁠

• April 6 - University of Denver Sturm College of Law⁠

• June 22 - Cleveland VegFest⁠

* The events are only open to students of the universities where the presentation will take place!

Calling All Volunteers!

Will you be attending the upcoming Plant Futures Fest in Oakland, CA on Feb 24? Or will you be in the Bay Area and looking to connect with other BIPOC vegan activists? 

If so, please let us know! APEX’s founder Chris “Soul” Eubanks and Director of Activism Yvette Baker will be in attendance at the event and handing out the first copies of APEX’s BIPOC Animal Activism Starter Guide. We are looking for volunteers to help with setting up and managing our booth.

Please fill out our volunteer form to let us know if you’d like to help out.

Tickets available here. Use the code PFF40 at checkout for 40% off your ticket price!

Date: December 17

Time: 2-4 PM

Location: Round Trip Brewing Company

Address: 1279 Seaboard Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Free meal is on us!

Bien Vegano

Event Details

Hey everyone join us for Bien Vegano's Holiday Market, the perfect market to shop for gifts for those you love while supporting local, minority owned businesses during this holiday season. Bien Vegano will also be celebrating their 3 year anniversary!!!

❣️ Free Entrance + Parking

❣️ Food, Music, Art

❣️ Local Vendors

❣️ Family + Pet Friendly

❣️ Indoor + Outdoor Seating

❣️ Brews + More

Venue:
Hillside International Truth Center

Address:
2450 Cascade Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30311

Phone:
404.758.6811

Email:
info@hillsideinternational.org

Website:
hillsideinternational.org

Venue:
West Hunter Street Baptist Church

Address:
1040 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. SW
Atlanta, GA 30310

The entry fee is on us!

Location:
Stonebridge Village
7978 Rockbridge Road
Lithonia, GA 30058

Event information:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-atlanta-vegan-experience-2023-tickets-716796857697?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join the Urban Sprout Farm and APEX Advocacy to watch The Smell of Money. This environmental justice documentary follows Elsie Herring and her North Carolina community as they fight the world's largest pork corporation for their freedom to enjoy fresh air, clean water, and a life without the stench of manure. We will have free food and drinks and we invite you to attend.

Watch the trailer here.

Open-Air Setting:
Enjoy the refreshing autumn breeze as you immerse yourself in the powerful narrative of the documentary. Get ready for an eye-opening cinematic experience under the open sky at Urban Sprout Farms! Free drinks, food and refreshments will be provided and will all be plant based.

Event Schedule:

• 7:00 PM: Gates Open

• 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Short Introductions and Film Screening
  Experience the riveting narrative that delves into the complex interplay of commerce, culture, and conscience. "The Smell of Money" uncovers the unseen forces that shape our world.

• 9:00 PM - 9:30 PM: Q&A Session
  Engage with the Apex Members and founders of Urban Sprout Farms.

• 9:30 PM: Event Conclusion & Breakdown

Venue:
Urban Sprout Farms provides the perfect backdrop for an event that aligns with its ethos of sustainability, consciousness, and growth.

Parking is on-site and free.

Sun, Oct 22nd (2 - 4 pm) with a free meal on us.

Location:
Pontoon Brewery in Tucker, Ga

Organization:
The Black Women's Lab

Venue:
Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA

Address:
2220 Campbellton Rd SW
Atlanta, GA 30311

Address:
225 Baker St NW.

The Global Majority Caucus meets virtually as a community on the second Wednesday of each month at 12-1pm ET. The intention of these meetings is to provide a space for Black, Indigenous, and people of color engaged in the animal protection movement to connect with one another, share challenges and celebrations in your life/work, and share resources for additional support. Community check-in topics are sent out at the beginning of the month in our monthly Caucus newsletter. Meetings are exclusive to Caucus community members, to join the Caucus, click here.

The Global Majority Caucus meets virtually as a community on the second Wednesday of each month at 12-1pm ET. The intention of these meetings is to provide a space for Black, Indigenous, and people of color engaged in the animal protection movement to connect with one another, share challenges and celebrations in your life/work, and share resources for additional support. Community check-in topics are sent out at the beginning of the month in our monthly Caucus newsletter. Meetings are exclusive to Caucus community members, to join the Caucus, click here.

Our next media club meeting will be Tuesday, April 25th at 6-7pm EST.

To honor Earth Day and create space to support one another with climate anxiety, we'll be discussing the recent IPCC findings. Please read the following and be prepared to discuss – The Guardian view on the IPCC warning: a last chance to save the planet.

If you prefer, you can also check out the findings directly from the IPCC.

Meetings are exclusive to Caucus community members, to join the Caucus, click here.

The Global Majority Caucus meets virtually as a community on the second Wednesday of each month at 12-1pm ET. The intention of these meetings is to provide a space for Black, Indigenous, and people of color engaged in the animal protection movement to connect with one another, share challenges and celebrations in your life/work, and share resources for additional support. Community check-in topics are sent out at the beginning of the month in our monthly Caucus newsletter. Meetings are exclusive to Caucus community members, to join the Caucus, click here.