#faceforwardmn

If you turn on your local news channel, no matter the time of day, there are often stories about injustice and inequality that leave you feeling distressed. Whether it be the constant fight against world hunger or the daily updates on the troops overseas, the hopelessness that fills our bodies is hard to swallow at times. Thankfully, we have artists who work tirelessly to bring light when there seems to be only darkness. Creativity is a beautiful gift to be shared and by encouraging positivity, art allows the body to heal and release negative energy. Injustice cannot be defeated overnight. As long as our community continues to grow and become aware of the change that is possible, we can move mountains.

To prove the power of art, here are three examples of how art has inspired positive social change in our culture:

1. The United Nations enlisted the help of Beyonce Knowles to represent the “I Was Here” campaign for The World Humanitarian Day on August 19, 2012, hosted in New York City. “I Was Here” launched as a global humanitarian campaign and challenged people all over the world to perform good deeds for others. On the day of the event, at the U.N. Headquarters building, Beyonce performed her hit song “I Was Here” while a powerful video was projected on a large screen behind her. The production showcased the incredible efforts that are being made across the globe by various humanitarian organizations. The campaign generated 1 billion messages of hope and services to those in need around the world.

*To learn more about the “I Was Here” campaign, click here!

Beyonce has always had a passion for helping others and is well-known for supporting relief efforts. She uses her positive energy and artistic abilities to shed light on important socio-political issues in a way that unites the community.

2. The tragic death of Michael Brown has gathered public support and peaceful protesting against the police force in Ferguson, Missouri. Marcellus Buckley (age 22), a Missouri native,  is an example of how creative expression can influence others and inspire positive social change. Marcellus has been an active member of the Ferguson protesting since they began on August 14, 2014. He uses spoken word to gain the attention of local law enforcement officials. Marcellus appreciates that his poetry offers a nonviolent expression of anger. He believes that in order for change to occur there must be a peaceful approach to protesting. As Ferguson struggles to heal from the violent acts imposed by their law enforcement, Marcellus and his spoken word will continue to fight for equality and love.

Click the link below to hear Marcellus recite his spoken word:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-x522yH3xE#t=102

Poet turned activist, 22-year-old Marcellus Buckley is bringing the bleak reality of Ferguson, Missouri to the eyes and ears of local officials.

3. Founded in 2006, Get Lit is a nonprofit organization in Los Angeles, California. It uses the performance of classic and spoken word poetry to increase teen literacy in Southern California. Get Lit offers a creative outlet for at-risk youth who are interested in learning to read and write. The element of performance is included in Get Lit’s mission. Teens are encouraged to take their poetry to the stage and release their thoughts on life in front of an audience. The organization is providing teens in need an environment that is both welcoming and educational as they transition to becoming adults in violent or unstable homes. Since Get Lit was founded, over 50 schools in California have incorporated this program into their after school programs.

If you’d like to learn more about Get Lit, please visit their website at http://getlit.org/getlit/.

Get Lit members Rhiannon McGavin, Zariya Allen, and Belissa Escoloedo performed their poem “Somewhere in America” on the Queen Latifah Show on January 20th 2015.

So there you have it. One piece of art, one inspired individual has the power to generate change and positivity in the world. In the words of Mother Teresa, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

Don’t be afraid to make waves - change won’t happen without them.

By: Ellen Bedecarre-McNamara

Social Media Representative Intern

Face Forward MN - Humanity Through Art

Follow me on Twitter & Instagram @ellenbmac!

You’ve seen ‘em. Those signature 16 oz. cans sporting colorful designs tailored to each brew, bearing the Surly crest, sitting proudly next to their bottled neighbors. People leave Minnesota for other parts of the country, only to return to the Cities craving that unique blend of hop and malt that only a Furious can deliver. Today, we get to know a little more about Surly Brewing Company, which will be donating kegs of its famous Furious and Hell brews to Face Forward’s Rooftop Beer Buster Fundraiser on May 30th.

Beer for a glass, from a can.

First, the name. Why Surly? It comes from a feeling many people might sympathize with – the anger and frustration that comes from searching for something, be it music, bikes, food, or beer, and coming up short time after time. Luckily, we’ve established that the Twin Cities has a great beer community, and we all know that bikes are in no short supply. But still, Surly is dedicated to providing the Twin Cities community with excellent beer options, from their year-round offerings like Furious, Coffee Bender, and Hell, to their seasonal brews, such as the newly released Overrated.

Not only does Surly give a damn about beer, but "Surly Nation" also gives back to their community through Surly Gives a Damn, the “public-spirited side of Surly.” Surly Gives a Damn supports the community in two ways. They donate to local organizations having events and fundraisers, such as Face Forward’s Open Mic and Beer Buster Fundraiser. Second, Surly organizes monthly and bi-monthly service projects that allow Surly Nation to get involved in their community, give back, and enjoy camaraderie at the same time. This year, Surly nation has prepped snow sculptures for the Loppet Foundation, sorted and packed food for the Emergency Relief Network, planted 1500 trees for Great River Greening, and helped Second Harvest Heartland run a Meals for Minds event.

Lucky for us, Surly also loves art. According to Surly’s Events and Donations Coordinator, Mary Sellke, “helping local artists grow within our surrounding community only makes Minnesota an even better place to live.” We couldn’t agree more. Surly recently announced their plans to open a new brewery in Minneapolis and is looking forward to getting involved in the Prospect Park community when it opens up.

A rendering of the proposed brewery and restaurant. Courtesy of Surly Brewing Co.

If you weren’t already in love with Surly, you should be by now. Come on over to the Face Forward Rooftop Open Mic and Beer Buster Fundraiser this Thursday, May 30th, from 5-8 pm at Moto-I in Uptown. A donation of $20 for a wristband gets you unlimited drinks from kegs of Surly Furious and Hell, as well as Fulton brews, a donation from The Blue Door Pub, and homebrews courtesy of the Face Forward Photo & Video Team!

Wristbands are PRESALE ONLY. Purchase your wristband via PayPal here!