Juneteenth’s Cultural Power and Economic Freedom: JD Davis on The Pop-Up!
Last week, The Pop-Up! welcomed Jerome "JD" Davis, a prominent Pacific Northwest-based cultural producer and the founder and CEO of WayOut Kids. JD, who also serves as the executive producer of the award-winning Juneteenth: A Road to Economic Freedom in Tacoma happening this Friday, shared insights on how history, education, and technology intersect within the Black community.
Redefining Juneteenth: Beyond the Party
For many, Juneteenth is a day of celebration, but for JD, the holiday carries a weight rooted in his own name and upbringing. Named after Frederick Douglass (his legal first name is Frederick), JD was raised on stories of struggle and resilience. This background informs his approach to the annual celebration in Tacoma.
"When we looked at Juneteenth, we themed it 'A Road to Economic Freedom' intentionally... It's not just about the party. The party’s great, but what's next? And that's what Juneteenth is to me,” he said.
JD emphasized that while 1865 brought freedom, it was often followed by homelessness and Jim Crow laws rather than immediate opportunity. To combat this legacy, his event focuses on tangible resources:
Financial Literacy: Inviting banks and credit unions to the celebration.
Healthcare and Housing: Bringing out systems like MultiCare and Virginia Mason, alongside housing resources.
Entrepreneurship: Supporting nearly 200 vendors to create a "Black Black Friday.”
On the Frontier of AI and Education
The conversation took a modern turn as JD addressed the rise of artificial intelligence and its impact on Black creators. As a leader in multimedia and animation, JD noted that AI is a double-edged sword.
"One, we don't have a choice,” he said. “Because we don't want to get left behind. We need to learn it and understand it."
Despite pointing to the risks of AI removing second chances for individuals through automated scoring, JD advocated for mastery of the tool to improve efficiency in everything from legal review to budgeting.
The Power of History for Youth
At the heart of JD’s work is youth empowerment through his multimedia organization, WayOut Kids, and various after-school programs. He believes that historical knowledge is the ultimate fuel for the next generation.
"There's so much power in our history,” he said “It just builds a power within themselves and makes them want to fight harder, push farther, grow more."
Looking Ahead to Juneteenth 2026
JD invited everyone to witness this "Road to Economic Freedom" firsthand on June 19th in Tacoma. This year’s massive event has moved to Lemay Car Museum Haub Field (across from the Tacoma Dome) and features:
Over 40 food trucks and 160+ vendors.
Live performances by Erica Campbell, Lyfe Jennings, and a 100-voice community choir.
Free access and parking through partnerships with Sound Transit and the Tacoma Dome.
As JD put it, it is more than just an event; it is the "largest Black family reunion" focused on peace, unity, and connection.
To reserve your spot at Friday’s celebration, visit juneteenthwa.com.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
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