Empowerment through the Arts Instructor: kahlil almustafa Office Hours: By appointment only Email: [email protected] |
- 3/26 -
Session 9: Art for Trayvon |
OVERVIEW:
We begin with a poem about Trayvon Martin by Sherehe Yamaisha Rozé Hollins. After reading the poem, we followed our feedback model: What do we see, followed by what do we interpret, followed by how do we relate. We were so inspired from sharing about this injustice that we decided to co-create an "I Am Tray" website collecting art created and dedicated to Trayvon Martin. ACTIVITY: Find 5 pieces of artwork you would like to include on the site. Make sure that they are in different mediums. For example: one poem, one photo, one performance art, one video. Write down questions that were raised during your search. Also include one image that you choose not to include. Finally, write down one question you would ask a person visiting our website. FIELDWORK: Send someone to the website. A Poem For You To every Black man child, I wish I could collectively wrap my arms around you Tell you just how worthy you are Wash away the world’s disdain for you Heal every ill word uttered against your geniusnhj Right every offense intent on silencing your existence Remedy injustice, generations old Cure systems bent on criminalizing blackness I wish I could protect your innocence Remove the Bulls eye brand from your back Erase perverse labels that paint you into stereotypes Stop social lies, longing to disguise the beauty of who you really are Transcend the fear that denies your humanity,.l Transform the ignorance that arrests human compassion Be the lifeline quick to answer your cry for help Block the relentless tirade of bullets, that recklessly snuff brilliance without reason or consequence Cure this country’s perpetual contempt, that curses your name before your lips learn to speak Cleanse the mouths of misdirected fools, whose hatred has spat insults at your souls I wish I could dissolve the sorrow you’ve learned to swallow Sweeten the bitter after taste of each violent attack Restore your wounds with love Amend each transgression in my arms So you will always know how precious and sacred you are Sherehe Yamaisha Rozé Hollins |