Partnership for Southern Equity Hosts 2025 All Circles Convening

In a time defined by urgency, reflection, and the need for collective resolve, the Partnership for Southern Equity (PSE) hosted its annual All Circles Convening at the Loudermilk Conference Center, bringing together changemakers, advocates, and community leaders from across the South.

The event served as both a celebration and a strategic alignment of PSE’s vast ecosystem—its Equity Circles, which guide and inform the organization’s portfolios of Just Growth, Just Health, Just Opportunity, Just Energy, and Youth-Led Movements. This year’s theme was clear: in the face of unprecedented challenges, standing together is not optional—it’s essential.

A Day of Inspiration and Intention

The morning began with a warm community check-in led by Tyra Beamon, Manager of YES for Equity, followed by a screening of PSE’s Skoll Foundation video, "Rethinking Possible: Advancing Justice for Southern Communities."

Nathaniel Smith, PSE’s Founder and Chief Equity Officer (CEqO), took the stage with a powerful opening titled “Come Alive,” calling attendees to not just envision justice—but to embody it. His words served as a grounding moment that framed the day ahead as one not just of learning, but of recommitment.

Spotlighting Regional Equity Leadership

The morning also featured remarks from Anna Roach, President and CEO of the Atlanta Regional Commission, who shared her vision for a unified region in her talk, “Creating One Great Region, Together.”

Other keynote speakers included:

• Anasa Troutman, Executive Director of Historic Clayborn Temple,

• Jerry Hawkins, Co-Founder of The Imagining Freedom Institute, presenting “New Southern Strategies: Narrative Change and Creating the Infrastructure for an Equitable Dallas, Texas.”

Each speaker emphasized the power of narrative, culture, and infrastructure in shaping equitable futures.

Culture, Conversation, and Collective Wisdom

During lunch, attendees participated in guided table conversations, using curated prompts to reflect on the morning sessions. The KMS 5th String Ensemble offered a musical interlude, reminding everyone that joy and art are essential components of resistance.

The afternoon shifted into systems-level dialogue with a session led by Lavonya Jones, Director of Just Energy, exploring how issue areas intersect to create deeper impact. Participants then moved into Equity Circle Breakout Sessions, where each portfolio group reflected on past victories and strategized for the road ahead.

Circle Report-Outs and a Call to Action

The Equity Circle breakouts culminated in a set of live report-outs, led by Marquese Averett, PSE’s Managing Director for Regional Organizing. Each circle shared insights, challenges, and actionable next steps—laying the groundwork for new collaborations and initiatives.

The convening closed with a Call to Action from Nathaniel Smith, reminding everyone that while strategy is critical, it’s the shared commitment to people and place that fuels long-term transformation.

Looking Forward

The 2025 All Circles Convening was more than an event—it was a reaffirmation of community power. Through its Circles, PSE has helped advance equity policy, mobilize grassroots movements, and hold institutions accountable to justice. And as this year’s gathering made clear: the work continues, together.

For more information or to get involved, visit www.psequity.org or email circle2025@psequity.org.