GALVANIZE: 6/8 Making A Space To Breathe

Beautiful Creatives. 

Galvanize DC and Actors Arena invite you to Make A Space To Breathe, a gathering to honor George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade and countless other Black lives senselessly murdered by police brutality. 

Join us tomorrow Monday June 8th, 7p at Arena Stage, as the following artists graciously lend their spirits and voices:

Jade Jones, Lady Dane Figueroa Edidi, Témídayo Amay, Felicia Curry, Psalmayene 24, KenYatta Rogers, Kasai Rogers and Ines Nassara. 

**Please, as safety is of the utmost priority, we ask that ALL in attendance strictly adhere to COVID regulations and wear some type of facial covering or mask and maintain a safe social distance of at least 6 feet from those in attendance who do not share a living space with you**

Also, a special note to those of us of the beloved DC Theatre community---I know it's been over three months AT LEAST since many of us have been in each other's company and we have certainly been longing for that. And most often, as a reflex, we may have the powerful urge to hug one another because we're Theatre people and we just can't help it. Well, I implore you...in this new COVID reality in which we find ourselves...please, resist that urge as best you can and REFRAIN FROM HUGS upon greeting one another tomorrow; for your safety and the safety of others. 

[And for those who can't be on attendance physically, remember, we will be livestreaming on Facebook Live and Instagram. Look for GalvanizeDC for both.]

And this is directly to my Black brethren and sistren of our beloved Theatre community:

Seems we've been here time and time and time again and we're living in an almost constant state where we are bracing ourselves for the next time, knowing that there most assuredly will be a next time. But as artists, the source of our superpowers is rooted in Hope. It's in our DNA. Our Ancestors saw to that. And if you need proof, look in the mirror. Your presence, your very existence is proof that our ancestors instilled in us that remarkable gift of hope--and the gift to keep on going. And not just to keep on going, but to do so with a dignity and style and grace that the world had never seen before. You're a part of that. You inspire and lift others with your gifts. And in doing so, you celebrate the Ancestors and set them free. 

That's what tomorrow is about. In our way, we are lifting George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery and Tony McDade and Breonna Taylor and countless others; lifting them to the Ancestors and setting them free. And we are ensuring that their lives mattered and are celebrated. Because Black Lives Matter. ALL Black Lives Matter. Then, now, always. 

Stay connected. Stay safe. Be vigilant. And know that you are not alone.

Your Brother.

In Comedy & Tragedy.

Jefferson A Russell