Black Lines Matter focuses on equity
Free literature event takes place in Minneapolis
More stories from Tjessa Arradondo
Writer participates in the writing of poems as part of the Black Lines Matter program. The next program will be offered at 6 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Loft Literacy Center in Minneapolis. Photo used with permission from Black Table Arts.
According to project manager Lakresha Williams, new literature program Black Lines Matter thrives on black protest and culture expressed through powerful art forms.
Williams said there is a variety of people who come to the fairly new program as of 2016.
“When folks come into our space there are certainly those who identify as white,” Williams said.
Williams said Black Lines Matter does not block any voices in the classroom.
“(Black Lines Matter) hold(s) space for writers in whatever way it comes on the page. Come as you are and come who you are into this space,” Williams said.
According to Williams, Black Lines Matter explores other multi-genre creatives besides poetry.
“We (Black Lies Matter) show paintings, we listen to music and lectures. What’s beautiful about this particular thinking space is for instance, I would not identify as a poet although I am involved with poetry, and I have other sorts of writing (to be explored),” Williams said.
Executive director and founder of Black Lines Matter Keno Evol said high school students and other youth usually attend the free classroom.
Evol said Black Lines Matter is just one of two programs that belong to the head organization, Black Table Arts (head organization).
“Black Lines Matter is our most current program in Black Table Arts, which we do every other Saturday from 6-8 p.m.,” Evol said.
Junior Khalyma Robinson said although she wasn’t previously aware of the program, she thinks the program is beneficial because it offers multiple views.
“It’s a good idea because it (doesn’t focus on) one race. So it’s interesting to get a different perspective,” Robinson said.
According to Evol, Black Table Arts still curates new ideas and programs.
“Our (Black Table Arts Organization) official mission statement is that we seek to conjure the world through black art by connecting creatives and cultivating volume in black lives, “ Evol said.
According to Evol , he feels welcome in the Black Lines Matter classroom.
“In gathering, true creativity comes up and new ideas come up and that’s the central piece about social justice,” Evol said.
The next Black Lines Matter takes place at 6:00 pm Oct. 28th at the Minneapolis Loft Literary Center in room 303.
Hi everyone ! I'm a sophomore and my name is Tjessa Arradondo . If you're wondering the J in my name is in fact silent ! I am a writer and photographer...
