Rooted in Black oral tradition and centering Black experience, Black is the Light is an ongoing series of classes, workshops, festivals, and networking opportunities intentionally designed to cultivate local talent and create bridges for young Black and POC artists between academic learning and the professional world.
Black is the Light is open exclusively to students who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC), with the goal to engage and inspire BIPOC youth in our community to explore their identity and tell their own story, using artistic mediums including storytelling, poetry, and movement as a source of healing and to harness joy.
Questions? Contact Alex Lee Reed, Associate Director of Arts Engagement, Youth & Learning
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
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Check back here for new classes soon!
Past Workshops
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SO YOU WANNA BE A SUPERHERO:
Harnessing your inner power through physical and mental wellness
Dates: January 11, 13 & 15 from 4-5:30 p.m. PT
Ages/Grades: Ages 11-19
Teaching Artists: Melany Bell, Alex Lee Reed
To say that 2020 was a “difficult year” would be an understatement at best. In this workshop, thank the year we’re leaving behind for its lessons, harness your strength, and launch into 2021 with fresh new energy and collective healing. In this three-day workshop, students will explore the many facets of wellness through story, song, movement, meditation, and self-analysis, and heighten the inner power that makes us everyday superheroes.
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RAISE YOUR VOICE PERFORMANCE PROJECT
Dates: Saturday December 5 & Sunday, December 6 from 2-4 p.m. PT
Ages/Grades: Grade 6 through age 19
Teaching Artists: Dedra Woods, Allyson Lee Brown, Alex Lee Reed
Utilizing aspects of performance poetry and storytelling, students will work together with teaching artists to create and perform an original work.
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THE ART OF STORYTELLING
Dates: Wednesday, November 18 & Thursday, November 19 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. PT
Ages/Grades: Grade 6 through age 19
Teaching Artist: Dedra Woods
Students will engage with their own history (present and future) through exercises in writing, performing, engaging an audience, and preserving their stories.
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PERFORMANCE POETRY: PEN OVER PAPER
Dates: Monday, November 16 & Tuesday, November 17 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. PT
Ages/Grades: Grade 6 through age 19
Teaching Artist: Allyson Lee Brown
Exploring rhythm, body language, and the power of their own voice, students will create, practice, and perform original pieces of performance poetry.
Meet the Teaching Artists
Zuzu Kandilige and Asmian Obanion-White competing in the 2020 August Wilson Monologue Competition. Photo by Angela Nickerson.