Saturday, November 14 | 3–5 PM
Divine Theater at De La Luz Soundstage | Holyoke, MA
What happens when history meets Hip-Hop—and artists have just 30 minutes to turn a story they've never heard into an original piece of music?
Join Self-Evident Education and the Wildflower Alliance for The Power of Truths, a special afternoon bringing together documentary film, live storytelling, history, and music.
We'll kick things off with a live recording of Remind My Soul, our podcast featuring educator and filmmaker Michael Lawrence-Riddell and acclaimed Hip-Hop artist Akrobatik. Joined by Anika Lopes, founder and Executive Director of Ancestral Bridges, Michael will share a powerful, little-known story from American history while DJ Trends provides a live musical score.
Then the clock starts ticking.
Akrobatik will have just 30 minutes to write an original verse inspired by the story, while DJ Trends creates a new instrumental. Singer-songwriter Marcia Gomes will join them for a one-of-a-kind live performance of the finished piece.
While the artists work, we'll screen Get a Mule, Forty Acres or So…, the first film in our Freedom's Soil: Land & Liberation series, exploring the history and enduring legacies of Black land ownership in America. The screening will be followed by a conversation with Anika Lopes and Kayara Akiva, who co-wrote the film.
Tickets are FREE, with an optional donation. Space is limited, so reserve your seat today!
Presented with the Wildflower Alliance, with support from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation.
