STRAIGHT INTO COMPTON
Compton's 'gangsta' image looms large. I used to teach in Compton and have more fond memories than horror stories. So while a reputation of danger hangs around the city like fashionable yellow police tape, I'm helping Herman Brooks, founder of the One Love Center in Compton, host an open mic.
Start with stories. The narratives, the beliefs. Invite the Storytellers, the Narrators and the Believers to come to the corner church and share themselves and their versions of this thing called Life.
I believe sharing stories builds community, compassion, and collaboration. Creative community open mics offer an arena of respect where conversations can be catalyzed through the medium of collective creativity.
Bad reps are transformed on many fronts. A simple open mic conducted with consciousness and a clear intention is a start in the right direction.
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