OPEN DOORS Reality Poets Visit YO S.O.S.
Crown Heights Mediation Center, July 26, 2018
On July 26, six OPEN DOORS core members—Jay Molina, Tito Cruz, LeVar Lawrence, Micah Harris, Vincent Pierce and Suluk Johnson—performed their poetry and told their stories to a group of students from the Crown Heights community. The event was hosted by YO S.O.S. (Youth Organizing to Save Our Streets). In the words of Vincent Pierce: “this was a chance for us to connect our stories with young people, so that they can learn from our experiences.”
Crown Heights Mediation Center, July 26, 2018
On July 26, six OPEN DOORS core members—Jay Molina, Tito Cruz, LeVar Lawrence, Micah Harris, Vincent Pierce and Suluk Johnson—performed their poetry and told their stories to a group of students from the Crown Heights community. The event was hosted by YO S.O.S. (Youth Organizing to Save Our Streets). In the words of Vincent Pierce: “this was a chance for us to connect our stories with young people, so that they can learn from our experiences.”
Coler Hospital, March 1, 2018
OPEN DOORS members created, produced and performed a multimedia presentation for Black History month. Members wrote monologues for historical figures or invented characters who were eyewitnesses to significant events. One member drew from his personal experience of being incarcerated and created a piece called "I am Kalief Browder." Another member spoke about the danger of being a Black man today.
OPEN DOORS Reality Poets with Slam Poet Steven Willis
COMMUNITEA, November 11, 2017
OPEN DOORS Reality Poets performed at a candle-lit cafe in Queens. The braveness and honesty with which they described their past and present lives touched the hearts of the audience. It was a night to remember.
Spoken Word with Slam Poet Steven Willis + OPEN DOORS Writers
GALLERY RIVAA, April 21, 2017
For six weeks Visiting Artist Steven Willis led a creativity workshop, in which members mined their personal histories in response to prompts such as: describe your first encounter with the police; things your parents taught you; something you've learned since your injury. In the final weeks participants transformed their raw material into spoken word poetry. The workshop culminated with a performance by Willis and OPEN DOORS writers at a packed gallery on Roosevelt island.