DC’s 2nd Annual
Racial Justice Summit
& Festival

A summit and festival to connect, celebrate D.C. history and culture, and take action for racial justice—together.

Monday, October 12, 2026
Indigenous Peoples’ Day

The Wharf Dockmaster Building + Pier
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

FREE and open to everyone.

Register to attend →

Come learn. Connect. Celebrate. Take action.

There is powerful work happening every day to challenge racism in D.C. The Power Is Ours is where you can find out about that work, meet the people behind it, and find your place in it.

Spend the day exploring the issues shaping our city, joining workshops and conversations, meeting 50+ organizations, enjoying art, activities and good food—and closing out the day the D.C. way: with go-go!

Bring your family. Bring your friends. Bring your neighbors.

Register for Free →

Why This?

D.C. is entering a new chapter. With new leadership coming, this is our moment to come together across issues and communities and push that leadership toward the change residents want.

Racial justice is connected to housing, health, education, public safety, economic opportunity, young people and who gets to shape our city’s future.

Why Here?

The Wharf sits in a youth curfew zone—a policy that disproportionately impacts Black young people in D.C.

On Oct. 12, we’re reclaiming this public space with joy, community and connection across generations. Young Black people belong in D.C.’s public spaces. They belong in conversations about the future of our city.

The Justice Challenge

Explore. Participate. Eat.

Take on the Justice Challenge as you explore the summit! Visit organizations, join activities and discover ways to take action across D.C. Complete the challenge and earn a meal voucher to use at participating Wharf businesses.

Register for Free →

Plan Your Day

There's no single way to experience The Power Is Ours. Explore the summit, follow what interests you, and build your own day.

Indoor Workshops Dockmaster Building

Statehood is Our Right
DC is for Immigrants | Strategies to make DC safe, inviting and affirming for us all. Defending home rule, while requiring statehood
Fighting For Chocolate City | Policy solutions for our city, our people, our future.
Youth Power & Safety Demands | Youth voices and demands for a safer, freer D.C.

Outdoor Experiences District Pier

Tabling Row | 50+ organizations, grouped by issue.
Mini-Workshops | Short, interactive sessions all day.
Kids’ Art & Activity Space
Youth Media Space
Healers, Movement & Rest Space
Soapbox Open-Mic Moment

Closing Performance

Go-Go Concert | We end the day celebrating D.C. with go-go!

Meet The People Doing The Work

The Power Is Ours brings together organizations working across issues and communities throughout D.C. Come learn what they’re working on, ask questions, make connections and find new ways to get involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Please come and bring your folks.
Yes. Please register here.
Yes! This event is family friendly.
The address is 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024. Go to the Wharf and we’ll be at the dock by the firepit (near the Anthem venue).
Take the metro to Waterfront station (green line), and walk about 10 minutes along M/Maine Street SW to the District Pier on the Wharf. The venue is on the water.
Take the bus: the A40 and D50 buses have a stop along Maine street near District Square SW that are very close to the venue.
Drive and park in one of the underground parking garages at the Wharf (note this can be expensive, and street parking is very limited).
Take a rideshare to the Wharf and get dropped off at District Square SW, then walk towards the water.
Yes! We will have food available for free while it lasts.
Yes, the Summit is wheelchair accessible. The Wharf was built in compliance with ADA Accessibility Guidelines. To ensure all can enjoy the waterfront, all buildings and exterior locales are equipped with ramps and elevators. Paver walkways are adjacent to the waterfront’s cobblestone paths.