Celebrate Arts & Activism

On Friday, April 18th we attended the 15th Anniversary Celebration for Akila Worksongs, which is a leading arts+activism company offering management, public relations (including marketing and writing services), and consulting services (event planning, special project management, and cultural programming). Founded by Social Entrepreneur, activist, and writer, April R. Silver, in 1993 with clients ranging from Amiri Baraka to Sister Souljah.

I first heard about Akila Worksongs some years ago when I worked with Tricia Wang & Martha Diaz on the H2Ed Summits and attended Toni Blackman's FemCee Freestyle Skills Development Sessions. Many of the artists and activists I admire have been under the care of Akila Worksongs, such as Rosa Clemente, Jessica Care Moore, Kevin Powell, Tulani Kinard and the list goes on.

The 15th Annivesary Celebration brought out people of all ages & backgrounds (well at least everyone over 21 LOL) to be uplifted by the live music of Phya, Chanda Rule, Tulani Kinard, and of the Soul Folk Experience as well as the poetry of Mo Beasley with brilliant host Saddi Khali.

Some of our favorite moments from the event include:

1. The Founder's Award Presentation to Nana Camille Yarbrough for being the epitome of Arts & Activism on Purpose!

In her speech of gratitude and wisdom Nana Yarbrough said, "When you speak specifically you speak to everyone, because you get to the essence of the matter"

2. Tulani Kinard's performance of "Free"

"Free!Free!Free! Oh! I'm truly Free! . . . Anger is a learned behavior you weren't born that way . . .Open up to a new way"

3. Maritri's & Mo Beasley's performance of Normal . . ."that's not normal, I'm not normal"

4. Phya's performance of Mr. Wrong & Feminine raising up women in hip hop saying "I'm feminine, womanly, woman like, womanish . . ."

5. Saddi Khali's performance of "Everything You Do Is Making Love"

We were uplifted and inspired by the performances and the energy in the room was powerful! April Silver is a Goddess who continues to rise above and carries the rest of us with her.

We appreciate all artists and activists and believe that the purpose of art is to transform and incite change.

Ashe'

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