We the People

"The artists’ role is to raise the consciousness of the people. To make them understand life, the world and themselves more completely." - Amiri Baraka

WE THE PEOPLE is a two-weekend festival of Black art and ideas, featuring the multidisciplinary work of five LA-based artists. Join us to experience work from this dynamic group of Artist-Citizens, utilizing their artistic practice to raise the consciousness and grow the power of their communties.

Two performances are presented each show, in repetoire.

Friday, June 7 @ 8:00 pm

Saturday, June 8 @ 3:00 pm

Saturday, June 8 @ 8:00 pm

Presentations lasts approximately 90 minutes, including WACO Off-Stage, our behind-the-scenes conversation with participating artists.

Saturday, June 8 @11:00 am - 3:00 pm

This weekend we also open the gallery for a new visual art experience by visual artist Hasef. Guests are invited to join a 1:1 conversatoin with the artist and curator at 12:00 pm.

SWEET BEA'S

by Semaj Miller

Sweet Bea's is a humoursly heartfelt homage to the Blues, family, and what it was like growing up on the southside of Chicago in the 90s. Through storytelling and an assortment of Blues staples, the show is a love letter to a time when it seemed like you didn't need much to have a good time. Join us to hear all of life's lessons hidden in the lyrics of Blues legends Johnnie Taylor , Bobby Blue Bland and more.

A VESSEL BORN TO FLOAT

by Yazmin Monét Watkins, with direction by Larry Powell

A Vessel Born to Float is an interdisciplinary performance piece based on the forthcoming book of poems by Yazmin Monét Watkins. Using poetry, theatre and humor, this work is an exploration of the intersection of race, gender, queerness, justice, community, self love and the healing properties of water. It is a love letter and affirmation for Black women. It is proudly and unapologetically Black.

groWTH

by Hasef

groWTH explores the vibrant intersection of Black identity, community, and the potential for positive change. Through mixed-media works featuring Black figures in barbershops, with plants taking root where their heads would be, the exhibit delves into the power of nurturing growth within ourselves and our communities.

About Semaj Miller

Semaj Miller is an artist originally from Chicago now living in Los Angeles. A graduate of conservatory trainings programs at Syracuse University and The University of Washington, Semaj calls himself "an actor by training but a writer/cultural preservationist out of necessity." Semaj has appeared onstage nationwide but it's his writing both for tv/film and the stage where he finds the most joy. Through his work Semaj looks to celebrate the lineage and tradition passed down through the Black American tradition while reclaiming our humanity one story at a time. Lear more at semajmiller.com

About Yazmin Monét Watkins

Yazmin Monét Watkins is a poet, comedian, screenwriter, actress, educator and organizer from Los Angeles, CA. Touring her intimate yet political poetry at colleges, universities, festivals, museums and institutions around the globe from Obama’s White House to Johannesburg, and empowering students from Harvard to youth prisons. Watkins' body of work weaves art and activism, exploring the intersection of race, gender, sexuality, self-love and all things Black Girl Magic. She has performed at and had commissioned work with prestigious institutions including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the California African American Museum, Center Theatre Group and Lincoln Center. She has co-written pilots for Netflix, Comedy Central, and starred on NBC’s Grand Crew. She has worked on projects with Issa Rae, Neema Barnette, Numa Perrier and opened for Angela Davis and Nikki Giovanni. Watkins serves as the co-chair for Black Lives Matter LA. Once Beyoncé said she liked her hair. ollow Yazmin on IG @yazminmonetwatkins

About Hasef

Hasef’s work introduces viewers to a world of conceptual art often avoided by society. He earned his B.A. in Sociology & Art from California State University, Bakersfield, and completed a certification in Art & Marketing from Sotheby’s in London. He recevied his MFA in Studio Art at Claremont Graduate University In addition to working as an artist in Los Angeles, Hasef is passionate about educating both young artists and art novices. He continues to spread art though teaching and offer art services from his Art Studio in South Los Angeles. See more of Hasef's work at hasefart.com