L.A., September 19,
ArtSpeaks! '98
Revolutionary Worker #973, September 13, 1998
The RW received the following press release from the L.A. Chapter of The Artists Network of Refuse & Resist!:
ArtSpeaks!
'98
A Concert Against Police Brutality
This is going to be an all-day, multi-stage event punctuated by a major concert in the evening. ArtSpeaks! '98 will be another major expression of artists contributing to a stronger movement against the epidemic of police brutality that is running rampant in our communities. You can be part of this--you need to be part of this!
All funds raised by ArtSpeaks! will be divided between the October 22nd Coalition to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation (now organizing its third National Day of Protest in over 50 cities) and the Artists Network of Refuse & Resist! Los Angeles Chapter.
From performers and promoters to tech support and fundraising, from sound and visuals to advertising materials, ArtSpeaks! '98 can utilize your contributions. We're starting now--be part of it...
ArtSpeaks! was first held last August at the Vision Theatre, located in the heart of the vibrant arts community in Leimert Park. An audience of more than 500 saw artists ranging from Kamau Daáood, Dwight Trible, Horace Tapscott and the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, to Ozomatli and Black-Eyed Peas; from Jerry Quickley and A.K. Toney to Medusa and Richard Montoya (of Culture Clash). Jazz, hip hop, spoken word, salsa and rap fans of many ages and backgrounds were delighted by the cross-cultural mix.
Displays by the October 22nd Coalition and co-sponsors sparked discussions in the lobby and street well into the night. One participating artist noted this was a "life-changing experience" which inspired new activists from the audience as well as veteran activists through art.
In December of 1997, the Wadsworth Theatre of UCLA was the site of JustUs, an event targeting the criminal injustice system and raising support for the case of Mumia Abu-Jamal. Culture Clash, actress Alfre Woodard, Exene Cervenkova, guerrilla artist Robbie Conal and Ozomatli were among the participants.
As last year's ArtSpeaks! program so aptly put it:
"We welcome our sisters and brothers to ArtSpeaks! (Artists Against Police Brutality). This event's purpose is to promote awareness and inspire action in our families and our communities. Some said that this couldn't be done. Some didn't want it to happen. Some tried to stop it. Coming together tonight Black, Brown, Red, Yellow, white, women and men, old and young, gay and lesbian, immigrant and native born, we are all participants in tearing down the barriers of cultural apartheid. Look upon the sister or brother next to you with respect and love and with the knowledge that we are all gathered here with our diverse backgrounds, talents and ideas for the common goal of opposing police brutality."
Our Strength Is Our Unity.
The Artists Network of Refuse & Resist!
6253 Hollywood Blvd. #910
Los Angeles, CA 90028
310-854-4681
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