Greetings all,
We hope you are enjoying our Queer Art + Artists monthly features that illuminate the LGBTQ experience through the intersection of the arts and justice. Our April film selection is Angels of New York, the Emmy Award-winning television series written by Tony Kushner and directed by Mike Nichols. The banner art is a detail by painter Kehinde Wiley, known for his lush naturalistic backgrounds that set off portraits of heroic African American figures in history—President Obama among them. Our pick for Music that Matters is “Kiss Me More” by pop/hip hop artist Doja Cat with SZA. You can find links to view the film and listen to the music on our webpage along with background on the film and the artwork, plus recommendations for books and more.
We welcome your reactions and suggestions and hope that this art offers inspiration, deepens our collective understanding of queerness, and prompts candid conversations with family and friends.
We Can Hardly Wait!
Remember “Solid as a Rock” by Ashford and Simpson? That’s Valerie Simpson, who will be performing at the JusticeAid Spring Concert along with an exciting line-up of talent honoring the music of blues/jazz legend Bessie Smith. Please spread the word about this wonderful concert that will benefit JusticeAid’s grantee partner, SMYAL. 100% of ticket sales and sponsorships will help LGBTQ youth reach a brighter, healthier, and safer future.
Music that Matters: Concert Preview
R&B Hall of Famer Nona Hendryx is known for her work as a solo artist as well as for being one-third of the trio Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, which had a hit with “Lady Marmalade.” Her music has ranged from soul, funk, and R&B to hard rock, new wave, and new-age, collaborating with Keith Richards, Lee Daniels, the Talking Heads, and Bessie! performer Terri Lyne Carrington. Listen to “I Need Love.”
Good to Know!
We’re learning about Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a national observance that calls attention to online assault and abuse. For too long harassment, cyberbullying, and exploitation has come to be expected as typical and unavoidable online behaviors. By practicing digital consent and intervening when we see harmful content and behaviors, we can make progress in building safe online spaces.
JusticeAid believes in the power of art and music to transform awareness into action in the fight against injustice. All donations this year until the end of October will support SMYAL’s programs for LGBTQ youth.
JusticeAid leverages the community-building power of art and music to transform awareness into action in the fight against injustice. Each year we identify and raise funds for justice causes by hosting music, arts, and educational events. Since 2013 JusticeAid has granted more than 1.5 million dollars to nonprofits working to ensure access to justice for the disenfranchised and marginalized. Our grantee partners are fighting racist voter suppression and racist policing, working to end mass incarceration and inhumane immigration practices, ensuring access to legal services, and addressing the criminalization and hatred of others.
