
Written by Jackson Bird.
This week we’re looking back on highlights from our first-ever conference, FRESH: Live. As the weeks go on, we’ll be sharing more of our favorite moments on social media–so make sure you’re following us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook! But for today, here are the top five moments we haven’t been able to stop thinking about.
If you were there, first, THANK YOU for making it such a special and energizing day. Second, if you have a few minutes, we’d love for you to fill out our survey to let us know what you liked, and what we can do better.
.@ava once tweeted “If your dream only includes you, it’s too small” – #FRESHLive today really made this quote come alive. @courtwrites what u + the @FRESHSpeakers team have built is nothing less than incredible, my work is forever changed. ‘Thank you’ is just the beginning. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/lM3wQqLMNr
— Melissa Kimble (@Melissa_Kimble) June 6, 2018
Real Good vs. Feel Good
We kicked off the day discussing “real good” versus “feel good” activism. Anand Giridharadas, Natalie Foster, and Mia Birdsong emphasized the need to look at root causes, not just band-aid solutions. Ignited by this framing, speakers throughout the day refused to hold back, letting loose harsh truths and innovative solutions.

Courtney Martin, Anand Giridharadas, Natalie Foster, and Mia Birdsong discuss “feel good” versus “real good” activism. Photo via
Honoring Our Ancestors
One unexpected theme that kept coming up was learning from our ancestors. From Queen Esther’s song about Cathay Williams, the first black woman to enlist in the U.S. Army, to Clifton Kinnie explaining his dedication to reading his ancestors and Elle Hearns sharing Marsha P. Johnson’s role in sparking Pride Month, the reverence for our ancestors was palpable.
.@SoulFreeDreams announces the launch of the Marsha P. Johnson Institute to honor her civil rights legacy @FRESHSpeakers #FRESHlive pic.twitter.com/HG2bjnTpFK
— Tiffany Dufu (@tdufu) June 5, 2018
“I read my ancestors.” – @CliftonKinnie on his connection to Angela Davis. @TheSamhita is in discussion with him now for #FRESHLive. pic.twitter.com/xoaazVRzIe
— Melissa Kimble (@Melissa_Kimble) June 5, 2018
Read a F*cking Book
Aminatou Sow reminded us of the importance of reading, saying, “when people tell you women don’t write it is a lie from the pits of hell.”
“The opportunists and charlatans are functionally illiterate. They do not read books.” – @aminatou at #FRESHLive
— The real jolly Bengali (@TheSamhita) June 5, 2018
Do the work.
Be a good ancestor.
Don’t call yourself an activist, do activism.
Read books.How can we look our friends in the eye and not fight for them?
Take a stand.
Read books.@aminatou #FreshLive— Sarah Kathleen Peck (@sarahkpeck) June 5, 2018
Celebrating Women In Stem
Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya sat down to discuss inclusivity and art from their perspectives as women of color with Ph.D.’s working in the sciences. Amanda’s Beyond Curie series was also featured outside the theater all day for attendees to admire and learn from.
Installation done for @FRESHSpeakers! Me for scale. #womeninstem #installation pic.twitter.com/GokrGeaVol
— Amanda Phingbodhipak (@Alonglastname) June 5, 2018
Great #FreshLive conversation between @ayanaeliza and @Alonglastname on opening up more inclusive conversations in the STEM world pic.twitter.com/57CuWrRajA
— Longpath (@longpathOrg) June 5, 2018
In Friendship and Revolution
Some of the most-tweeted about moments from the day came from bold, and needed, assertions about the revolutionary power of friendship.

Brittney Cooper dropping truth bombs. Photo via The Li.st.
Ok but seeing @ProfessorCrunk model affirmation of her friend on stage is so life giving. I want to see us love each other more in public. We gotta hold more space for care #FRESHLive
— Rachel Dougherty (@active_witness) June 5, 2018
Friendship:
This one’s for a season,
This one’s for a reason,
And this one is long-term.@jamiaw#freshlive— Startup Pregnant (@startuppregnant) June 5, 2018
We even created a virtual celebration of friendship on Twitter, with the help of this original art from the endlessly talented Wendy MacNaughton.
What it feels like when you meet the friend who changes your life. Quote retweet this amazing artwork by @wendymac and tag the friend or mentor who really made an impact on your life. We’re celebrating the power of friendship here at #FRESHLive! 💓 pic.twitter.com/Wf1IxJPEtX
— FRESH Speakers (@FRESHSpeakers) June 5, 2018
What were your top moments? Let us know by continuing to use the #FRESHLive hashtag on Twitter and Instagram – or by filling out the survey! For now, we’ll leave you with a synthesis of our final session of the day, courtesy of Aja:
Because I’m so old fashioned… here are some notes, thoughts & reflections from today. So glad to have been in the room. Thanks for the invitation @katieorenst #FreshLive @FRESHSpeakers pic.twitter.com/coX6b2MlfV
— Aja (@aantoine68) June 5, 2018
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