The theme of this year’s gathering was “Rebels and Rebellions: Past, Present, Future.” This immersive three-day event, building off the inaugural convening last year brought together dozens of accomplished storytellers—organizers, filmmakers, playwrights, journalists, and historians—to explore and reimagine borderlands as spaces of connection, resilience, and possibility. In a time where borders have been hardened and xenophobia has ticked up rapidly, it is more critical than ever to spark new ideas about how we might reorganize the culture and politics of borders.
The Border Is a Story
Last month, we hosted the 2025 convening of The Border Is A Story with our Advisory Board Members, Kelly Lytle Hernandez and Alex Rivera.
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January 13, 2026
Dennis Leroy Kingalee’s Play Takes on New Life
Dennis Leroy Kingalee’s Play Takes on New Life
The Kangalee Arts Ensemble, led by our Advisory Board member and Artists in Action fellow Dennis Leroy Kangalee, was recently awarded an artist initiative grant from the Venturous Theater Fund for: My Dying City Vol. II (The Social Justice Suicide Hour).
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January 12, 2026
2026 Law and Organizing Academy Application is Open!
2026 Law and Organizing Academy Application is Open!
We invite current law students from New York-area law schools or with New York-area summer internships to apply to our fourth annual Law & Organizing Academy (LOA)
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December 30, 2025
My Dying City Vol. II
My Dying City Vol. II
A new stage work by Dennis Leroy Kangalee, an Action Lab Artist in Action, explores grief, activism, and movement fracture under rising authoritarianism, using theater as a space to wrestle with the emotional and political costs of long-term organizing.
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December 29, 2025
Brooklyn Mural Honors Immigrant Workers in NYC
Brooklyn Mural Honors Immigrant Workers in NYC
Community leaders in Bushwick unveiled a mural celebrating immigrant workers and launched a broader campaign for immigrant protection across the city.
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December 22, 2025
Inauguran un mural gigante en NYC en defensa de los migrantes: “Los neoyorquinos no cederán ante el miedo”
Inauguran un mural gigante en NYC en defensa de los migrantes: “Los neoyorquinos no cederán ante el miedo”
La obra, en la esquina de las avenidas Gates e Irving, rinde homenaje a los vendedores ambulantes, que forman parte de la identidad cultural de Nueva York
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December 22, 2025
Pro-Immigrant Mural Unveiled in Bushwick
Pro-Immigrant Mural Unveiled in Bushwick
In the heart of Bushwick, community members, organizers, artists, and elected officials gathered to unveil a towering, multi-story pro-immigrant mural.
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January 14, 2026
Grammy-nominated musician John Forté, 50, has been found dead at his home
Grammy-nominated musician John Forté, 50, has been found dead at his home
Grammy-nominated musician John Forté, who was best known for his work with the Fugees and Wyclef Jean, has died. He also served on our Advisory Board and was a beloved collaborator and ally.
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January 13, 2026
Dennis Leroy Kingalee’s Play Takes on New Life
Dennis Leroy Kingalee’s Play Takes on New Life
The Kangalee Arts Ensemble, led by our Advisory Board member and Artists in Action fellow Dennis Leroy Kangalee, was recently awarded an artist initiative grant from the Venturous Theater Fund for: My Dying City Vol. II (The Social Justice Suicide Hour).
Report
Update
Video
Press
January 12, 2026
2026 Law and Organizing Academy Application is Open!
2026 Law and Organizing Academy Application is Open!
We invite current law students from New York-area law schools or with New York-area summer internships to apply to our fourth annual Law & Organizing Academy (LOA)
Report
Update
Video
Press
January 8, 2026
Rios do Cuidado | Encontro Comunitário - Belém, Pará
Rios do Cuidado | Encontro Comunitário - Belém, Pará
Rivers of Care was a community gathering held in Belém, Pará, that brought together Indigenous leaders, environmental defenders, cultural workers, community communicators, and organizers from across the Americas.
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January 2, 2026
Solidarity Organizing Initiative
Solidarity Organizing Initiative
As we head into the new year, we are welcoming the Solidarity Organizing Initiative staff to The Action Lab staff team to take this work to the next level.
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December 30, 2025
My Dying City Vol. II
My Dying City Vol. II
A new stage work by Dennis Leroy Kangalee, an Action Lab Artist in Action, explores grief, activism, and movement fracture under rising authoritarianism, using theater as a space to wrestle with the emotional and political costs of long-term organizing.
Join The Action Lab
Be part of the movement. Join The Action Lab’s network of artists, organizers, and community leaders working to create lasting change. Sign up to get updates, event invitations, and opportunities to take action.
