Art 180 hosting Black Lives Matter Youth Forum and Open Mic

In light of recent events, ART 180 is hosting two opportunities at Atlas this Friday, July 22, 2016, for teens to come together, express themselves, and listen to each other.

July 20, 2016; 1:48 PM • by Richard Hayes

From Art 180 Facebook:

In light of recent events, ART 180 is hosting two opportunities at Atlas this Friday, July 22, 2016, for teens to come together, express themselves, and listen to each other.

4-6 p.m. Poetry workshop with John Blake
Teens will write poems to express their hopes, fears, dreams and frustrations surrounding issues of police brutality, institutional racism, and social justice. John Blake, an experienced poetry teacher and National Poetry Slam finalist, will lead the session. Poetry created in the workshop can be shared as part of the conversation in the youth forum and open mic immediately following the workshop.

6-8 p.m. Black Lives Matter Youth Forum and Open Mic
This month’s open mic at Atlas will include a forum for teens in the community to openly discuss their concerns and feelings behind the recent events around the country. There are are a number of events around the community for adults to express themselves, but this one is just for teens. ART 180 teen leader Sydney Vick and community leader and ART 180 friend Robert Dortch will facilitate the conversation, which will include a chance for teens to perform poetry, music and stories in an open mic format.

Atlas is located at 114 W. Marshall St. in Jackson Ward.