MelaNation will post upcoming events on this page. Learn about upcoming events and view photo albums of our past events by clicking on the images below.
What: MelaNation Issue 4 Release Party!
When: Saturday, May 25, 2019, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: The Fridge (516 8th St SE, Washington, District of Columbia 20003)
Why: Our fourth issue is finally coming! Taking place during DC’s historic Black Pride week, this release party is gonna bring you performances from Black singers, rappers, and poets; you’ll have an opportunity to view artwork from MelaNation contributors; and we’re gonna have speakers from the DECRIMNOW campaign talk about justice for sex workers and sex hustlers.
What: Gallery Pop-Up for Sex Work!
When: Wednesday June 6, 2018, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: The Stew (624 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20002)
Why: This gallery pop-up is created with the belief that sex work and sex workers are entitled to human rights and respect. Join us in experiencing art created for and by sex workers. The event will feature speakers from HIPS and BYP100 on the current #DECRIMNOW campaign to decriminalize sex work in DC.
What: Sex Workers Rise Up for Safety
When: Saturday June 2, 2018, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Eastern Market Metro Station (701 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003)
Why: On International Whores Day 2018, sex workers are rising up to reclaim safety for everyone. We recognize that all people in the sex trade need the same things to survive: housing, freedom from stigma, freedom from violence, and decriminalization of the work they do to survive. Sex workers and allies with HIPS, CASS, BYP100, No Justice No Pride, Trans United Fund, and Metro DSA will convene at Eastern Market Metro on June 2nd at 2pm! Join us to resist FOSTA and SESTA as we work to pass local legislation to decriminalize sex work in DC!
What: Sip N’ Paint
When: Sunday May 6, 2018, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Fantom Comics (2010 P St. NW, Washington, DC 20036)
Why: MelaNation Issue 4 is about sex positivity, and we want to hear what you have to say. Over drinks and snacks, we had a public arts workshop where folks worked on their submissions and created art for fun. We explored written and visual art about sexual agency and freedom, sexual identity, and enthusiastic consent with our friends at Fantom Comics!
What: MelaNation Issue 3 Release Party
When: Saturday February 10, 2018, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Fantom Comics (2010 P St. NW, Washington, DC 20036)
Why: The MelaNation team released the third issue of the zine with a dope release party, featuring performances by local Black artists Jamila Silvera (singer/musician), Maya Patrice (singer), Jon Jon Moore (poet), Uptown Shane (rapper), and the Black Joy Experience (musical artists). Fantom Comics raffled off two free tickets to the premiere of the Black Panther on February 15! Thank you all for coming! Click the flyer to see photos from the event, courtesy of Deyane Moses.
What: Spills: A Zinefest
When: November 12, 2017, 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Where: Butler Board Room at American University (directions here)
Why: Spills is the first zinefest hosted by AmLit, a student-run literary magazine at American University. MelaNation sold zines and merchandise, and hosted a workshop about the Black queer feminist lens!
What: Grocery Walk
When: October 14, 2017, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Where: 2500 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020; Giant (1535 Alabama Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032)
Why: Healthy food is a human right, but in DC it is currently treated as a luxury that many Black people in the city don’t have access to. BYP100 DC partnered with DC Greens for the Grocery Walk, an action for food justice and a call for the city to make deep investments in access to healthy food for all — not just wealthy and white residents. The DC government has the power and duty to improve access to healthy food options for Black people in DC. Read more about our position behind the Grocery Walk at our blog post.
What: Arts x Action
When: October 1, 2017, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Where: Columbia Heights Green Community Garden (3321 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20010)
Why: The MelaNation team tabled and led a zine-making workshop at the second ArtsxAction, an event where progressive activism and creativity converge for a night of live performances, healing spaces, and art showcases.
What: DC Zinefest 2017
When: July 15, 2017, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Where: St. Stephen & the Incarnation Church (1525 Newton St. NW, Washington, DC 20010)
Why: The MelaNation team had a great time at DC Zinefest 2017! We sold hard copies of our first and second issues, and it was an immersive introduction to the zine-making community in the DMV.
What: MelaNation Launch Party
When: April 9, 2017
Where: Haymaker Bar (1015 H St. NE, Washington, DC 20002)
Why: The MelaNation team launched the first issue of MelaNation with a community launch party featuring performers BuddahDesmond (poet), Nicole Newman (poet), and Jonathan Lykes and Onrae LaTeal (musical artists). Thank you to all who attended!
(photos by Deyane Moses Studio)
