What is Artivism?

Lil’ Red is Riding the Wrong Way in the Hood is about an adventurous little boy who gets lost in an urban jungle and runs into a wolf in sheep clothing sparking a battle of wits. It’s a film about trust and it’s intended to spark conversation among youth and adults alike on how the most vulnerable among us can stay safe in an increasing complex world. It includes illustrated 2 D animation by Mutai Emmanuel of Nairobi Kenya. This modern day tale is a Hip Hop twist on a classic first published in 1812 by Brothers Grimm entitled Little Red Riding Hood.

Digital Love Letters  is a short film that compliments a haiku collection and it was released on June 12, 2023 to commemorate the annual celebration of Loving Day. It is creative commentary on how the United States has progressed as a society post the Loving vs. Virginia ruling, reflecting the nation’s growing acceptance that love knows no bounds. By combining poetry, visual art, and film, this project explores the profound impact of love in all its forms and pays homage to the courage and resilience of those who fought for the right to love freely. I proudly co-produced this short with the Institute of Contemporary Art, San Jose.

(R)evolutionary Healing was a project I proudly co-produced with Mosaic America during the height of the pandemic in 2020 and after the death of George Floyd. It highlights Northern California’s Bay Area spoken word artists, muralist, vocalist and activist as we examine what it will steps are needed for us all to evolve. This peace project debuted online February 2022. A Discussion Guide is Available Upon Request.

Race and War: An Awkward Conversation is a one act play about miscommunication that’s still a catalyst for a ripe discussion. It’s been called “a calling in vs a calling out.” This was originally an award winning non-fiction short story that was adapted as a play. The play is based on a true encounter that happened shortly after the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer in 2013. This production gave birth to my signature GRACE Model for courageous conversations. I’ve been told it helps, especially when you need to remember to give yourself and others grace. 

Poetic Soldier is a 30 minute set of art that’s activism in the campaign for equity, freedom, and justice at the 19th annual Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival. This presentation included poems that led to me being called a thought leader, ones that shifted the culture and still challenge the status quo today.  One poem at the center of this set that represents determination and tributes female heroes is entitled “She Rose.” This one woman show earned me a standing ovation and “Most Inspiring Solo Performance.” The year was 2012.

“A Talk with My Mother” is a poem is about climate change and it was written and directed in 2007, after I was influenced by a few documentaries and films on the subject. It debuted on the Polly Ticks album that same year. This project featured Queen Fatima Talbird as Mother Earth, and it seeks to help at least one person improve their relationship with the planet we call home.

“Salaam, Shalom, Peace” brings attention to how quickly religion can divide and it’s definitely a pro-peace poem. This video project was produced by someone I don’t know personally named Kevin Myers. He was moved to use the poem to advocate for more compassion among faith leaders. It debuted on the Polly Ticks album in 2007.