On June 12, Charles Smith II, a Dallas-based artist and fashion designer, organized the Freedom Pt. II event at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza to celebrate and raise awareness for the Black Lives Matter movement and Black Art Matters. The event featured a panel discussion, art, dance, 3D projections, music performances, and a fashion show. In light of the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Rayshard Brooks, Smith II’s event aimed to address the issues of police brutality, racial injustice, and systemic white supremacy in the arts industry.

The evening began with a performance by hip-hop artist Rikki Blu, followed by panel discussions with prominent industry leaders, including Peter Doroshenko, director of Dallas Contemporary, and artist Riley Holloway. Leah Frazier moderated the panel and asked the tough questions, specifically asking white panelists what they would do to become allies in the fight for racial justice. The event culminated with a fashion show of Smith II’s fall/winter line, featuring models of different ethnicities, highlighting the brand’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Smith II organized the "Freedom Pt. II" event in just a few days, with the aim of rallying the creative community to use their talents to effect change. He says “We can use our creativity to reach hearts and minds, to make change and bring people together.” The event was a success, with hundreds of attendees coming out to support the cause. It served as a reminder that the arts can be a powerful platform to advocate for social justice and to celebrate the contributions of Black artists to the industry.