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‘Who Am I’ Raises Support for Black-led Grassroots Organizations
The short film is an 'unapologetic ode' to the relationship between Black life and art
“Who Am I,” a short film created to raise awareness and support for Black-led grassroots organizations throughout the Seattle area, has raised more than $3,500 for its GoFundMe campaign since its release on Wednesday.
Directed by Abdi Ibrahim and Jonathan Salmon, “Who Am I,” is an “unapologetic ode” to the relationship between Black life and art inspired by Langston Hughes’ “I, too, am America.” The film portrays more than 40 Black artists in Seattle of different ages, backgrounds and mediums. Money raised through the GoFundMe will go to Seattle-based organizations Choose 180 and Creative Justice.
Choose 180 aims to transform the lives of young adults and prevent engagement with the criminal legal system through community engagement, workshops and partnering with institutional leaders. Creative Justice is an “arts-based alternative to incarceration” for youth that aims to create a community with those most impacted by the “school-to-prison-(to-deportation) pipeline.”
After the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, Ibrahim and Salmon protested with thousands of people in downtown Seattle. The experience of being pepper sprayed, shot with rubber bullets and shoved by Seattle police during the protests angered and inspired the pair to create the film.
“We really felt at the time and still, that this was something that could be an impact in the long run and not just in the moment, or when the moment dies down,” Ibrahim says.
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Studio Sessions: June T. Sanders
Part of the Rituals in Resistance show at Railspur, June T. Sanders reflects on the power of creating art, crafting things with her hands, and the moments that spark creativity.
There’s a bare authenticity to artist June T. Sanders’ work. Whether it’s a series of black-and-white photographs taken close-up of friends and acquaintances or a suite of rough-hewn wooden objects, each piece feels relatable and grounded in daily life. It’s the kind of work that reminds us that everything doesn’t have to be so abstract…
Where to Celebrate Native American Heritage Month Across the Pacific Northwest
Explore Indigenous art, food, and cultural events throughout November, with opportunities to support Native artists and businesses.
As we head into the thick of the holiday season, there’s another meaningful observance to keep in mind: Native American Heritage Month. While Indigenous history and culture deserve recognition year-round, November brings opportunities to engage with Native artists, businesses, and cultural traditions. Here are some ways to take part. Explore art galleries and exhibits Stop…
Table 17 Serves Up an Authentic Look at Love
If you love a rom-com, see this play ASAP.
Most of us have been there at least once: Your phone lights up, you look down, and your ex’s name pops up on the screen. Maybe you haven’t heard from them in a while—weeks, months, or even years. If things ended badly, you might be annoyed at this sudden intrusion. If there were lingering doubts,…
How Art Stays Afloat in Iceland
Public funding, creative freedom, and a landscape that refuses to stay in the background have made this Nordic nation an extraordinary place for crafting culture.
“If you don’t have art and theaters—and free speech—it’s no good to live there.” The man telling me this, Guðmundur Kristjánsson, isn’t a curator or painter. He’s the CEO of a seafood company, Brim, and our conversation occurred at Reykjavík’s harbor on Fisherman’s Day. I had just toured one of Brim’s vessels, where framed art…