PJC: From the Founder
Some of you know about why The Listening got started. Give me a few minutes to update you.
After the 2012 Presidential Elections, I was observing some unrest - internally and externally. I witness many members of my local community very verbally express how they felt about the outcome. Some even took to destruction of property! It was hard to witness, and even hard to reconcile with.
I wanted to believe that there could be a space where we would disagree, but come to learn that we have more in common than not. As an artist, I wholeheartedly believe that creativity was the avenue for this space and artistry was the vehicle that made the most sense to me. After trying it out with some friends, a few months passed and The Listening began.
Since 2013, I’ve been honored to witness this thing grow, but after 2020, the need for sharing space thoughtfully and compassionately has grown. Where can people share their thoughts, engage with each other and build a bolder understanding of community in spite of their differences?
I found myself inspired by an amazing film. You may have heard of it.
Directed by the late, great John Singleton, Poetic Justice is a film that I saw many years ago, but seemed to ring truer these days. The main characters, who saw immeasurable trauma, found coping with the arts and each other (and a very long road trip!).
It’s my belief that the performing arts are the route to hard topics like suicide, racism, homophobia, education, depression, civil rights, transphobia and so much more. It’s my belief that The Poetic Justice Conference is the beginning of The Listening’s next chapter.
This is how we dig deeper and lean evermore on our mission to engage, change and save lives with the performing arts. It would be my honor if you’d join us on January 16th for this one-day event, featuring over 20 different presenters, performers and panelists. Join us as we #listentopoeticjustice.
Grab your early-bird tickets TODAY before the price goes up, and know that your support is building something amazing with The Listening. We’re on to something great.