The LiberTEA Collective is an 8-week intensive leadership program to cultivate a talent pipeline of Black Tennesseans who are ready to transform our communities as rising civic leaders and democracy defenders. For too long, the political arena has been white-dominated and white-led. Now is the time to position ourselves to become key decision makers within our communities, cities, and state.
On our mission to unapologetically build Black political power, we welcome the novice and the knowledgeable, to join a force of Black leaders who are fully committed to leading change that results in liberation and freedom in every area of our lives. We center the people most impacted by community problems and give them the tools to identify equitable solutions.
Who Is The LiberTEA Collective For?
The Collective is designed for the person who is anxious to channel their anger, frustration and hunger for change, but unsure of where to start, and the person who is shoulder-deep in community involvement. Black activists, organizers, clergy, parents, community members, students, campaign operatives, and everyday people — the Collective is for all of us. Liberators will learn and grow through in-depth sessions dedicated to healing, social justice training, historical context, government and politics, movement building, and more.
Liberators will complete the Collective with a solid, life-enriching understanding of what’s at stake and valuable strategies to take action towards relentless power building, liberation, and freedom. Collective cohorts will be guided by expert facilitators who provide weekly experiential learning sessions, using a popular education model that is free from judgment and intimidation.
> Laser focused commitment to successfully complete the 8-week program including coursework, teamwork, and weekly participation.
> Willingness to address and heal through personal and communal trauma.
> Be open to the opinions, struggles, and triumphs of the multifaceted Black experience. We’re not all the same, but we will demonstrate respect and provide a mutual safe space for each other.
> Determination to amplify their individual voice and influence as a champion of unapologetic, independent Black political and economic power within Tennessee.
> Deep desire to learn the strategies and tools to secure a government that works for Black people. You don’t have to know it all, or know a lot, just commit to learning, growing, and activating your untapped power.
The LiberTEA Collective has a participation fee of $25 – $300, based on your ability to pay. We want the program to be accessible to all Black community members regardless of income level, zip code, or education level. If unable to pay the fee, scholarships are available. Indicate your need for a scholarship on your application form.
Participation fees cover the program’s costs including travel, lodging, meals, child care, and training materials.
Cohort 16 | Fall 2025
Opening Session/Healing Retreat
“Self-Love is Community Love”
Friday, August 22 – Saturday, August 23
(In-person)
Session 2
“Freedom Ain’t Free: The Fight for Black Freedom”
Thursday, August 28
(Virtual)
Session 3
“Don’t Hate the Player, Hate the Game: Civics 101”
Thursday, September 04
(Virtual)
Session 4
“Can’t Create Change From the Sideline: Running for Office /Working on a Campaign”
Thursday, September 11
(Virtual)
Session 5
““This Ain’t a Spectator Sport: Movement Building and Disruption” ”
Thursday, September 18
(Virtual)
Session 6
“Movers, Shakers and Gatekeepers in Government: Boards, Commissions and Civil Service Roles”
Thursday, September 25
(Virtual)
Session 7
“Yo Seat Ain’t Safe: Advocacy and Lobbying”
Thursday, October 02
(In-person)
Session 8
“Graduation: We are Liberators!”
Saturday, October 02
(In-person)
Full participation and attendance is required for the duration of the cohort. The Collective is designed to be an interactive experience and the material covered builds on each topic weekly. We understand that life happens, so if you are unable to attend every session and graduation in its entirety, we encourage you to apply in the future.
Applications are currently closed. Please visit back In 2026 for information on the next cohort.
The Equity Alliance is a Tennessee based 501(c)(3) that unapologetically builds independent Black political and
economic power. We educate, empower, and mobilize Black people to take action and keep our government in check.
Learn more about The Equity Alliance at theequityalliance.org.
The LiberTEA Collective is an 8-week intensive leadership program to cultivate a talent pipeline of Black Tennesseans who are ready to transform our communities as rising civic leaders and democracy defenders. For too long, the political arena has been white-dominated and white-led. Now is the time to position ourselves to become key decision makers within our communities, cities, and state.
On our mission to unapologetically build Black political power, we welcome the novice and the knowledgeable, to join a force of Black leaders who are fully committed to leading change that results in liberation and freedom in every area of our lives. We center the people most impacted by community problems and give them the tools to identify equitable solutions.
The Collective is designed for the person who is anxious to channel their anger, frustration and hunger for change, but unsure of where to start, and the person who is shoulder-deep in community involvement. Black activists, organizers, clergy, parents, community members, students, campaign operatives, and everyday people — the Collective is for all of us. Liberators will learn and grow through in-depth sessions dedicated to healing, social justice training, historical context, government and politics, movement building, and more.
Liberators will complete the Collective with a solid, life-enriching understanding of what’s at stake and valuable strategies to take action towards relentless power building, liberation, and freedom. Collective cohorts will be guided by expert facilitators who provide weekly experiential learning sessions, using a popular education model that is free from judgment and intimidation.
The LiberTEA Collective has a participation fee of $300-$25, based on your ability to pay. We want the program to be accessible to all Black community members regardless of income level, zip code, or education level. If unable to pay the fee, scholarships are available. Indicate your need for a scholarship on your application form.
Participation fees cover the program’s costs including travel, lodging, meals, child care, and training materials.
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Application Opens
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Saturday, February 1
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Application Deadline
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Friday, February 28
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Applicant Interviews
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Ongoing between Monday, March 3 - Wednesday, March 5
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Acceptance Notification
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Wednesday, March 12
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Applicant Acceptance & Payment Deadline
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Wednesday, March 26
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Opening Session/Healing Retreat
“Self-Love is Community Love”
Freedom Ain’t Free: The Fight for Black Freedom
Don’t Hate the Player, Hate the Game: Civics 101
Can’t Create Change From the Sideline: Running for Office /Working on a Campaign
This Ain’t a Spectator Sport: Movement Building and Disruption
Movers, Shakers and Gatekeepers in Government: Boards, Commissions and Civil Service Role
Yo Seat Ain’t Safe: Advocacy and Lobbying
Graduation: We are Liberators!
Full participation and attendance is required for the duration of the cohort. The Collective is designed to be an interactive experience and the material covered builds on each topic weekly. We understand that life happens, so if you are unable to attend every session and graduation in its entirety, we encourage you to apply in the future.
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The Equity Alliance is the leading Black-led grassroots organization in Tennessee promoting intentional, unapologetic, innovative, and culturally relevant year-round civic engagement among Black communities.
© 2025 The Equity Alliance | All Rights Reserved | Designed by Brand Lamb.
