Email from Performing Arts Center
Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2020 11:30 am
I'm on the mailing list of the Performing Arts Center to stay informed of upcoming events so I found this in my Inbox yesterday. I don't think I've ever seen such a masterpiece of "wokeness" before. It has all the right terms -"social justice", "diversity", "Inclusion" and even "safe spaces". It even invites you to a townhall where I guess you can actually meet real black people and listen to their stories.
I wonder if they are keeping track of how many people hit the "unsubscribe" button as I did. I've seen enough of this "collective future" they have in mind to know I'd rather not participate.
I wonder if they are keeping track of how many people hit the "unsubscribe" button as I did. I've seen enough of this "collective future" they have in mind to know I'd rather not participate.
Dear Friends,
As part of your community, the Straz Center has the urgent responsibility to not only be presenters of art and entertainment for the moment, but shapers of culture and the legacy of our time.
Everyone at the Straz Center stands in solidarity with Black, Indigenous and Persons of Color (BIPOC) fighting against systemic racism and societal inequities, and for civil rights, multiculturalism and authentic inclusion. Changing the world requires the efforts of everyone. Now, more than ever, each of us has an indispensable part to play.
We are all facing similar challenges and embracing new ways to enact real change. Today, I want to share with you our plans to put actions to words and prioritize systemic change. Through an organizational commitment to anti-racism we will meaningfully shift our organizational practices, forge authentic connections with our community, and engage in the national conversation surrounding social justice in our country.
Though many of the actions we are sharing today have been part of the Straz Center’s strategic initiatives for several years, recent events have it made clear that we need a system to align and prioritize our efforts to more effectively pursue our mission. We are investing in our collective future by accelerating our plans for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA).
I’m also so proud of our Community Engagement team’s newest endeavor to expand this important conversation to our community through town hall-style conversations called Voices of the Community. These monthly town halls will provide a safe space for sharing stories and experiences serving to educate those who seek more profound understanding of Black lives and the contributions of the Black community. Each town hall will also highlight a subject or piece created by a BIPOC artist. We invite you to join us for the first one on Thursday, July 30, at 8 p.m. entitled A Call to Action. Please sign up here.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be in touch today and to again extend my gratitude for your friendship. I look forward to updating you on our progress as we forge ahead.
Sending my best wishes to you and yours and looking forward to positive changes we will all create, together.
Warm regards,
Judy Lisi
President and CEO