The Art of Justice

The Art of Justice 2, panel discussion.

Last month, I had the privilege of attending Art of Justice 2: Race, Arts Funding, and the Survival of Community-Based Arts Organizations. Unfortunately, I had missed the Art of Justice 1, because it was sold out.Actually, I barely made it in to 2 - I got in by the skin of my teeth. And it was standing-room only! For good reason, too. This panel discussion, put together by the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) was incredibly thought-provoking. They have just released a short re-cap video, so I will let CCCADI's words and images speak for themselves (scroll down to see, below). But first, I would like to share with you, the gorgeous poem that they chose to open up the evening with. It struck a chord with me: 

A Short Note to My Very Critical and Well-Beloved Friends and Comrades
A poem by June Jordan

First they said I was too light

Then they said I was too dark

Then they said I was too different

Then they said I was too much the same

Then they said I was too young

Then they said I was too old

Then they said I was too interracial

Then they said I was too much a nationalist

Then they said I was too silly

Then they said I was too angry

Then they said I was too idealistic

Then they said I was too confusing altogether:

Make up your mind!

They said, Are you militant? Or sweet?

Are you vegetarian or meat?

Are you straight? Or are you gay?

And I said, Hey! It’s not about my mind.

The Art of Justice 2, presented by CCCADI at NYU's Dept. of Social and Cultural Analysis 
On March 10, 2016, we co-presented Art of Justice 2: Race, Arts Funding, and the Survival of Community-Based Arts Organizations, at New York University’s Department of Social and Cultural Analysis to a full house! Policymakers, researchers, scholars, and cultural activist came together to call for more equitable funding in the arts sector.  

Did you miss it? Watch the 2min recap video! 

https://youtu.be/OLUuwEXwVFE

#TheArtofJustice #OurFirehouse #CCCADI

I'm a CAUWW Ambassador!

As anyone following this blog knows, last summer, I took part in a program called Community Arts University Without Walls (CAUWW) with the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) at the Interamerican University in Puerto Rico. 

Well, CCCADI is gearing up for this year's 2016 summer program - and I am honored that they have chosen me as one of their Ambassadors! I will be at the first CAUWW 2016 Open House information session talking about my experience.

Anyone who's interested in studying aboard in Puerto Rico for two weeks and earning a certificate centered in arts and cultural advocacy should come to the open house: Wednesday, January 20th in New York City. 

For more information visit CCCADI's website - and to RSVP for the Open House, goto the Eventbrite page for free registration. 

Study Abroad with CCCADI's Certificate Program of Cultural Arts and Social Justice!

COMMUNITY ARTS UNIVERSITY WITHOUT WALLS (CAUWW)

Certificate Program of Cultural Arts and Social Justice

Summer 2016 Session Dates: June 12th to June 25th

Join us for the FIRST FREE OPEN HOUSE of CAUWW 2016!

Take this opportunity to learn about CAUWW and meet some of our graduates who will be sharing more information about how this program has impacted their careers and lives as cultural advocates.

RSVP is suggested.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 20th, 2016

TIME: 6PM to 8PM

WHERE: Inter American University's Centro De Reclutamiento De Estudiantes y Exalumnos 2196 3rd Ave New York, NY 10035 (Btw E.120th & E.119th Street)

Photo by Imani Nunez

(To see photos from my CAUWW experience in Puerto Rico, check out my Instagram @whippedhoney #CAUWW2015.)

Class trip to the University of Puerto Rico

Today we took a class trip to the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras, which is a public university. Our first class was presented by poet, writer and cultural activist, Yolanda Arroyo Pizzaro, on engaging the gender narrative within a traditional and colonial framework. Then, artist and student organizer Pedro Lugo presented on student activism, student strikes and took us on a tour of the campus to see student activist murals.

For more pics go to my Instagram @whippedhoney