Why Black Wealth Can't Wait: Nina Turner, Cori Bush & Tamieka Atkins To Lead Urgent NYC Economic Justice Talk

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New York, NY – Back in 1966, a bold document promised economic dignity for every American. It wasn’t a dream—it was a plan. Spearheaded by civil rights icons A. Philip Randolph, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Bayard Rustin, the Freedom Budget for All Americans aimed to eliminate poverty by addressing low wages, housing inequality, and the lack of health care and education access. Now, nearly 60 years later, a new generation of changemakers is reigniting that vision—and you’ll want to be in the room where it happens.

On Tuesday, April 8, The New School is hosting a galvanizing event titled “The Freedom Budget: From Civil Rights to Economic Rights,” as part of the 2025 Henry Cohen Lecture Series. The night features an all-star panel: The Honorable Nina Turner, The Honorable Former Congresswoman Cori Bush, and Tamieka Atkins, moderated by activist Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson. Together, they’ll connect the dots between historic economic demands and the modern movement for inclusive wealth, exploring innovative policies like baby bonds and how they can move us toward racial and economic justice.

For Black and brown professionals navigating NYC's hustle, this isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a blueprint for power. This event underscores why economic justice can’t be divorced from racial justice—and why events like this are more than conversations; they’re incubators for action.

At LEVELUP in NYC, we believe that ambitious professionals build their future at the intersection of knowledge, access, and community. This panel gives attendees a rare opportunity to hear from national leaders, ask tough questions, and connect with fellow professionals and purpose-driven advocates who are shaping the future of equity in real time.

Quick networking tip? When you're at a high-profile event like this, don’t just introduce yourself—ask someone how their work connects to the event’s theme. That’s how you turn a “hello” into a high-value conversation.

Whether you’re a policy buff, a budding social entrepreneur, or simply someone determined to level up your income and impact, this conversation will push you to think bigger—and act bolder. So, we’ll ask the question: How will you show up for the movement and your own momentum?

Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Starr Foundation Hall, University Center, 63 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10003
Tickets & Info: https://racepowerpolicy.org/event/the-freedom-budget/

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