Community Rising Project Presents Our 4th Annual Black August Community Cookout “TOGETHER WE RISE “
Black August was started in the 1970s in California’s prison system to honor the memory of fallen Black freedom fighters and political prisoners. We now uplift Black August as a time dedicated to celebrating Black accomplishments, culture, history, and resiliency.
Our cookout serves as a diverse welcoming space where all community members can unite, access valuable resources, and build lasting relationships. The event brings together local organizations and residents from across our diverse community for a day filled with fun, food, healing, and meaningful resource connections. Over the past three years, this event has become a cornerstone of community engagement in Troy, building the connections that make our neighborhoods stronger. While we are specifically centering disadvantaged communities and families and their invaluable contributions to our community, we warmly welcome neighbors of all backgrounds to join us in this celebration of unity, culture, and collective strength.
How You Can Make a Difference
We believe that strong communities are built through collaboration, and we’d love to explore how your organization can be part of this impactful day. There are several meaningful ways to get involved:
Co-Sponsorship Opportunities
Support our event to amplify your community commitment while backing an event that directly benefits local families and individuals.
Vendor Participation
Share your services, products, or resources directly with community members in a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
Workshop & Training Facilitation
Offer valuable workshops or training sessions for community members on topics that support personal growth, skill development, or community empowerment.
Volunteer Support
Join our team of dedicated volunteers who help make this event possible and experience the joy of community building firsthand.
Donation Contributions
Support our mission through donations that help us provide essential resources to community members:
– Book bags and school supplies for students
– Food and beverages for all attendees
– Art supplies for creative activities
– Monetary contributions or in-kind donations
Why Support Us?
– Community Impact: Direct positive influence on Troy residents and families, with particular focus on supporting and uplifting Black families
– Cultural Celebration: Be part of honoring Black August and celebrating Black culture, history, and resilience
– Visibility: Connect with diverse community members and potential customers in a culturally significant setting
– Values Alignment: Demonstrate your commitment to community wellbeing and racial equity
– Networking: Build relationships with other local organizations and leaders committed to social justice
– Legacy: Be part of an established, respected community tradition that centers Black joy and empowerment
Voices of Resilience: Denim Day Open Mic
4/30/25 – Troy, NY
This Denim Day, In Our Own Voices and Community Rising Project are coming together to honor the voices of LGBTQ+ survivors of violence through an open mic night filled with poetry, music, storytelling, and solidarity. 💙
👖 But why denim?
Denim Day began after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction, stating that the survivor must have consented because her jeans were “too tight” to be removed without her help. The next day, women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans in protest — and a global movement was born.
Wear your denim to show support for survivors and remember: Together, we rise. Together, we heal.
Healing Hands
4/26/25 – Amsterdam, NY
Join In Our Own Voices and Centro Civico as we proudly come together for a powerful event in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
We’re creating space for expression, resilience, and solidarity through body art and movement. The first 10 participants will have the opportunity to receive a tattoo from the incredibly talented Jane Romm (Plain Jane Tattoo) and Alister Rubenstein (The Crafty Queer) — artists dedicated to telling stories through ink.
Prefer a gentler approach? We’ve got you. ✨
Whether you’re seeking something temporary or want to avoid touch altogether, we’ll also have henna artists and a calming yoga session available. However you choose to participate, this day is about honoring survivors of violence in the LGBTQ+ community on your own terms.
DMX Day NYC
Canceled
4/19/25 – New York, NY
Celebrating his life and legacy. Come out on this day and join us!