We're halfway through the year. Each month, we've compiled a summary of what's been happening.

Civics lesson! We have to refuse the removal of our rights:

US Declaration of Independence
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript

US Constitution
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript

If you're looking for resistance events abroad, start here: DA Resists! - Democrats Abroad.

#resistance

In this episode, we unpack the meaning and momentum of No Kings Day, a worldwide call to reject authoritarianism, white supremacy, and political violence. We look at what it meant to take to the streets on June 14th — or simply to witness it from afar — and how that energy carries forward.

We also dissect Trump’s military-themed “Birthday Parade” in Washington, D.C. — a calculated spectacle with deeply concerning signals. We examine the symbolism, timing, and why it demands a strong, unified response.

What You’ll Hear:

• Crowd estimates and firsthand accounts from No Kings Day and No Tyrants actions worldwide
  
  
• Emotional and political impact of mass mobilization
  
  
• How to stay grounded in activism without burning out
  
  
• The dangerous normalization of militarism in U.S. politics
  
  
• The role of global Black voices in resisting fascism and fear
  
  
• Real strategies for building resilience and reclaiming power
  
  

Key Questions We Explore:

• What happens emotionally after such a big moment of resistance?
  
  
• How do we balance visibility and safety in an era of political retaliation?
  
  
• What are we teaching the next generation about democracy, dissent, and dignity?
  
  

Links & Resources:

• 🗺️ Learn more: nokings.org
  
  
• 🌍 Connect with the Global Black Caucus: democratsabroad.org/blackcaucus
  
  

🎧 Subscribe + Share:
Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Follow, rate, and share this episode with your crew—because power shared is power multiplied.

In this episode, we unpack the meaning and momentum of No Kings Day, a worldwide call to reject authoritarianism, white supremacy, and political violence. We look at what it meant to take to the streets on June 14th — or simply to witness it from afar — and how that energy carries forward.

We also dissect Trump’s military-themed “Birthday Parade” in Washington, D.C. — a calculated spectacle with deeply concerning signals. We examine the symbolism, timing, and why it demands a strong, unified response.

What You’ll Hear:

• Crowd estimates and firsthand accounts from No Kings Day and No Tyrants actions worldwide
  
  
• Emotional and political impact of mass mobilization
  
  
• How to stay grounded in activism without burning out
  
  
• The dangerous normalization of militarism in U.S. politics
  
  
• The role of global Black voices in resisting fascism and fear
  
  
• Real strategies for building resilience and reclaiming power
  
  

Key Questions We Explore:

• What happens emotionally after such a big moment of resistance?
  
  
• How do we balance visibility and safety in an era of political retaliation?
  
  
• What are we teaching the next generation about democracy, dissent, and dignity?
  
  

Links & Resources:

• 🗺️ Learn more: nokings.org
  
  
• 🌍 Connect with the Global Black Caucus: democratsabroad.org/blackcaucus
  
  

🎧 Subscribe + Share:
Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Follow, rate, and share this episode with your crew—because power shared is power multiplied.

Brief History of Juneteenth

• June 19, 1865 – Over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved Black people were free.
  
  
• This day became known as Juneteenth, combining “June” and “nineteenth.”
  
  
• It marked the end of slavery in the last Confederate state, though Black Americans remained unfree in many other ways due to systemic racism and violence.
  
  

Juneteenth Traditions

• Rooted in Black joy, resistance, and remembrance.
  
  
• Celebrated with parades, readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, family reunions, red foods, and cultural performances.
  
  

National Recognition

• Long celebrated in Black communities, but not recognized nationally until June 17, 2021, when President Biden, flanked by Vice President Harris, declared it a federal holiday.
  
  

Honoring Opal Lee – the “Grandmother of Juneteenth”

• Born: 1926, Fort Worth, Texas.
  
  
• At age 89, Opal Lee walked from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C. to campaign for Juneteenth to become a national holiday.
  
  
• She walked 2.5 miles each day to symbolize the 2.5 years it took for freedom to reach Texas after the Emancipation Proclamation.
  
  
• Her decades-long activism led to widespread support and ultimately helped secure federal recognition of Juneteenth.
  
  

Celebrate Her Legacy

• Read her story: Juneteenth: A Children’s Story (she’s also an author).
  
  
• Walk in her honor.
  
  
• Share her message: “None of us are free until we’re all free.”
  
  

What does freedom mean to you today—and how can you make it real for someone else?

Voting is your right! Overseas? Find a resistance event near you: Democrats Abroad Resists and sort out your voter registration and ballot requests: votefromabroad.org. In the US? iwillvote.com.

Time to look back at May 2025: the good, bad, and ugly.

Want to do something? Check out these events on Democrats Abroad's website.

Local officials are your first line of defense. Vote from Abroad and I Will Vote can help you get registered and request overseas ballots.

Angela and Adrianne define Wokeness and why it is a problem for some, and not for others.

Are you Woke?

Register to vote at Vote From Abroad or I Will Vote.

Are you an American and want to participate in activities outside of the US? Find them on the Democrats Abroad website.

Angela and Adrianne sum up some of what happened in April, primarily in the US and the big world.

Voters need to ensure they are registered. https://www.votefromabroad.org and IWIllVote.com can help.

We spoke to the Chair of the Democrats Abroad (DA) Environment & Climate Crisis Council (the ECCC) comprises DA members from around the world concerned with the existential threat climate change and environmental degradation pose to the planet today. Our Council advocates for systemic climate and environmental policies and solutions within the global Democratic community. We encourage all DA members to join the ECCC, learn together, and take positive action. Learn more here: Environment & Climate Crisis Council - Democrats Abroad

Take Action - Receive our Take Action email:

These actions are things you can do that can make a difference without taking much time.
Take Action - Democrats Abroad