What does it mean to be free?

In observance of Juneteenth and in recognition that freedom is not equal for all, host Naimah Bilal invites us to navigate the ongoing quest for liberation from oppressive systems, mindsets and cultures.

Through the lens of Black changemakers in Cincinnati, Urban Consulate explores what true freedom looks like for our communities and uncovers how to expand our collective potential. What is your liberation story? What could our city be if we were all truly free?

What Does Liberation Mean to You?

“Black liberation is creating the conditions in our society in which every Black person has the ability to thrive not in spite of their skin color and cultural background but because of it.”

-Will Porter, Cincinnati

“Liberation is a shift from surviving to living.”

-Lonnie Jennings, Cincinnati

“Liberation is the confidence of knowing that I have complete power to make the decisions that impact my life.”

-Sulin Ngo, Cincinnati

“Liberation is a process. For me, it begins by taking a long, loving look at the real—that is, truth. And once truth is revealed, I must live from that reality, even if it hurts.”

-Megan Trischler, Cincinnati

“Liberation is detachment.”

-Maria Pontes Ferreira, Detroit

“Liberation means to me the freedom and sense of relief to be authentic, empowered, and comfortable being unique.”

-Shirley Blair, Cincinnati

“Liberation is the joy of personal and communal self-determination, free from the violence of individuals and systems that oppress based on race, class, and other controlling identifiers.”

-Chase L. Cantrell, Detroit

“Liberation means not being reliant on others who don't value me equally for my survival.”

-Arlinda Vaughn, Cleveland

“Liberation is freedom from oppression and equality for all.”

-Darnell Johnson, Union, KY

“Liberation is doing what, when, where, how and why I want.”

-Leasa Coppage, Chicago