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By Nisaa Jackson for Boston Compass (#126)
August 6, 2020
Public outcry for the protection of Black lives from the hands of White Supremacy and police continues to sweep the nation following an incident with Minnesota police that left 46-year-old George Floyd dead. Black Lives Matter activists and allies are considering what they can do to put an end to centuries-old cycles contributing to Black death and struggle.
As protests and initiatives erupt all over the globe, Boston artist, Lance Jackson, has taken an introspective approach on how he can support his community through his passion for art and exploring a front on which his art and activism align. Jackson says he’s seeking to “fit into something that more so aligns with the ultimate mission of revolutionary change.”
He asked himself, “what can I do for all Black artists, and all Black businesses and all Black organizations, while keeping it in the mindset of being an artist?”
His answer? “Power to The People!” A rally with the goal to “unify all Black-owned things like businesses and organizations that work toward the betterment of the [Black] community overall.” His idea comes just in time as COVID restrictions shift with the phased reopening of the state. Music acts you should expect to see include Miranda Rae, Cakeswagg, Luke Bar$, and more. DJs Baby Indiglo and DJ Real P will be showing up to bump as well!
The rally, slated for August 29 at noon, will occur at Town Field in Dorchester. It will include a host of local Black organizations and businesses, such as Fairmont Innovation Labs, Dorchester Art Project, BAMS Fest, Arts Connect International, HoopHop, and Soleil Restaurant, that will provide entertainment, education and food. Vendors selling their wares include SCOPE Apparel, Marxmen Cuts and Spark FM. The gathering, despite being free to attend, will pay involved artists with funds raised by attendees, aiming to act as a liaison between the two parties.
Power to the People is also a collective, spearheaded by Jackson, focuses on identifying and creating solutions for issues facing the Black community that often result from white supremacy.
“We’re an advocate of making the change happen instead of waiting for it,” said Jackson.
—Nisaa Jackson