THE ART OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

IDEA Consultant Noelle Diane Johnson from Artists Heal will lead the first pre-show discussion of the season. HAIR includes multiple social justice themes that still are relevant today, so we will dive into some of those topics to facilitate modern-day conversations for the classroom and beyond. While teachers can earn professional development credits for attending, this discussion is free and open to the public.

Step back in time at the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center and Experience The Black Press: Stewards of Democracy. This new exhibit opens on Saturday, October 28, and gives visitors a look at an untold story of Black activists who wage a courageous battle to dismantle an apartheid anti-democratic American political system, by speaking truth to power.  The gatekeepers of democracy, pioneering Black newspaper publishers, journalists, brash writers and skilled photographers, their struggle culminates in the Summer of Love in 1968—a youthful blend of energy and necessary change.

The Summer of Love was a pivotal moment in history, characterized by a sense of unity, peace, and love. It was a time of social and cultural revolution, and creative expression played a significant role in shaping the movement. During this workshop, we draw on the themes and ideals of the Summer of Love to inspire our own writing. Using creative prompts and poetry of that era, we generate pieces that capture our own experiences, dreams, and desires. Through sharing our work, we create meaningful connections that celebrate the spirit of the Summer of Love. Leave with creative ideas that foster authenticity, community, and empathy.