I don't know where to begin...

I am going to try to keep this fairly brief because the whole thing had me stumped for a minute.

I am soo disappointed in this country and I don't know why...I should not be surprised at some of the things that are able to go on in this country because they have for years and history shows us that around the world it is much the same, contrary to popular belief. I am hurt by the judgements by our judicial system that seem to be blatantly saying to me that my children, my brothers, my elders, my sisters, etc lives do not matter in this country. Or rather letting the world see that police are in fact above the law and able to execute when they are frightened and it will be a justifiable homicide.

Being an artists and having grown up in a very artistic and militant family I never saw myself as one to sit by and watch things happen. I was always a doer, a leader, an activist against any injustice since I was in high school doing grassroots work until now where I channel my activism into my artwork, so it can be easier digested by the masses.

My question to the arts community is do we react or do we remain silent in hopes that this will allow us to go on as if nothing has happened and we can keep our sponsors, and keep our students, and not offend anyone, and - HOLD UP! - SINCE WHEN HAS ART EVER COMPROMISED IT'S POINT OF VIEW? WHEN HAS IT EVER BEEN OTHER THAN THE REFLECTION OF SOCIETY?

I recently submitted some events that artists could attend in support of the family of Sean Bell in response to the unfair verdict releasing his murderers to an arts e-mail blast in NYC. They never posted my info, but continued to post my class or performance info, so it was very clear that they did not feel it was necessary for artists to be active in this cause or to event understand what happened, educate communities on how to react, and give outlets to stifled, upset communities that want to react negatively to this tragedy. I guess it was more important not to offend anyone or oppose anyones view of the situation.

Let me know what you think about artists being a voice in the community, in the world and about the danger it may have for our careers or following when we are active and outspoken on a point that is dear to our hearts. Do you think we need to ignore world events and pretend we have no opinion or do you feel it is okay to be an artists as well as an activist and if so, what would you like to suggest to artist to do in response to this recent injustice?

I await your dialogue on this topic.

Peace,

Me