Various sessions were held at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Daytona Beach on May 3.
Under the banner of “Power & Purpose: Building Black Futures in Florida,” grassroots partner organizations from across the region gathered on Saturday, May 3 for a day of visioning, strategy, and healing. The Black Voters Matter Central Florida Regional Convening served as a planning session and a cultural celebration, reinforcing the strength and resilience of Black-led movements in Central Florida.
Hosted at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Daytona Beach, the opening session, “Black Realities: Understanding Our Landscape,” set the tone for the day – acknowledging the challenges faced by Black communities in Florida while affirming a shared commitment to change.
A standout moment came during “Music & the Movement,” a session led by griot and musician Shine. Through music and storytelling, Shine reminded attendees of how music “not only aids in the fight for justice and liberation but also helps them healed from wounds in- curred during the battle.’’
The convening also emphasized strategic clarity. In the session “Defining the Fight – Our Collective Vision,” partners collaborated to identify shared goals and align their work with core strengths.
Musician and storyteller Shine performs during the Music & the Movement session.
Later, during “Building Power – Strategies for Impact,” Danielle Brown, national field co-director with Black Voters Matter, facilitated a dialogue on sustainable organizing and meaningful engagement.
Lunch, catered by Soul Foods, was more than a meal; it was a moment to listen, reflect and build community. The convening did not shy away from naming the real-world barriers partners face: systemic racism, political hostility, funding cuts, hurricane recovery, and food insecurity.
Attendees included National Field Co-Director with Black Voters Matter Danielle Brown, local NAACP President Cynthia Slater, and Geveryl Robinson, Central Florida lead organizer.
Organizers emphasized that what is most needed now is not just money—but grace, space, and understanding.
“Our people are organizing under oppressive conditions due to current legislation in the state,” Geveryl Robinson, Central Florida lead organizer with Black Voters Matter noted. “What partners need is not just funding; they need support that recognizes the emotional, physical, and political toll they’re enduring.”
