Join us for an unforgettable night of live performances, music, and dancing at “The Griot Party Experience” on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at 8 pm at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. At this free, in-person event, which is funded in part by the Department of Neighborhoods (DON), talented artists such as Mecca Amen, Monique Franklin, Verb, Noah Prince, and Na’eem Shareef will take the stage and share their stories and cultural experiences through spoken word, poetry, and music.
Hosted by Seattle-based educator, artist and activist, Logic Amen, “The Griot Party Experience” promises to deliver a night of powerful storytelling rooted in the Griot tradition of connecting to and celebrating “our diverse heritage” and “embracing our collective history” while forging new community memories.
In a 2018 interview with CityArts magazine, Logic Amen spoke on why Langston Hughes was a special location for his recurring event, “I practically grew up at Langston Hughes [Performing Arts Institute]. It’s where I got my artistic break.”
A Washingtonian for over 30 years, Amen is deeply rooted in Seattle’s BIPOC community, making him a perfect partner to help DON amplify historically marginalized community voices.
“As we’ve focused on our efforts to highlight stories of communities of color and other underrepresented folks, we received feedback that readers wanted more stories about the Central District and Black communities,” said Susie Philipsen, Communications Director at DON. “So, we intentionally expanded on storytelling centered on the Black community.”
Philipsen reached out to Princess Shareef, an educator and participant in the Seattle Histories storytelling project. Could she refer someone who could organize a community storytelling event that would highlight Black stories in Seattle? Shareef wholeheartedly recommended Logic Amen.
“He was an artist and educator already working in the community, well-known and respected, so it was a no-brainer. There’s often a lot of mystery around what it takes to partner with the Department of Neighborhoods for an event or project,” said Philipsen. “Sometimes we have an open call for submissions such as the Seattle Histories project, but once in a while we have the freedom to pursue a particular idea that helps us fulfill our department’s mission.
“The Griot Party Experience” helps bring community together through a storytelling experience, and we are eager to invite you to this free event.
