playbill vip

Brick by brick, American society built institutions on a racist premise that shut off and shut down avenues for African Americans to speak, engage and contribute. 

Voting rights disappeared almost as soon as they were granted, and are continually attacked up to the present day.  Police forces in the South, originally founded as slave patrols, evolved into forces of incarceration and criminalization of the black community that we still see lived out in front of us with every video documenting police abuse.  

The protest voices are demanding to be heard, and it is up to all of us who believe in dignity and equality to listen and join in the fight to ensure that these powerful voices are never marginalized again. Our founding fathers believed the right to dissent and protest so essential to our democracy that they enshrined it in the First Amendment

At a time when far-right extremists spew racist hatred under the banner of free speech, the importance of elevating the countering voices is clear. It is important to remember that the true cause of racists and fascists is not “freedom of speech”, no matter how often they might claim that it is. It is incumbent on all people, but most importantly political leaders and other influential figures, to firmly denounce racism and hatred, and speak out for those who are oppressed and marginalized. It is entirely coherent to do this while defending free speech.

But most importantly, our leaders need to listen, truly listen, to the voices of black Americans.  Hear their anger, and struggles, and most importantly, hear what they want changed so they can no longer live in fear when they walk in their own communities.  That is the power of voice.

https://www.article19.org/

Bunbury supports our artists and our community

and is fortunate to give voice to all artists

regardless of race, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

Bunbury Theatre Company produces and develops thought-provoking, engaging, and entertaining productions bringing to focus issues of social identity