Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is celebrated on the anniversary of the order, issued by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas. Imagine being enslaved and hearing those liberating words "free forever." Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was signed two years prior, "all persons held as slaves" were not freed. On June 17, Lorinda Hawkins Smith will lead us in a writing workshop to celebrate Juneteenth by examining the "liberating words" of our nation's history by looking at the case of Bridget "Biddy" Mason. Even though California was technically a "free" state, there were still those living in the state as enslaved people. Bridget "Biddy" Mason was an enslaved woman who heard the words "free forever" around January 19, 1856. She won her freedom in a Los Angeles court. We will explore writing prompts that will help us examine our own lives to discover those "liberating words" that were able to free us in our own histories. Space is limited, and registration is required. About the Author
Lorinda Hawkins Smith is an accomplished actor, author, advocate, musician, writer, comedian, playwright and filmmaker. She is a domestic violence survivor who earned her MBA while transitioning from houseless to housed. A true "artivist,” she is at home combining art and social justice. She has worked in social justice theatre for over 2 decades being recognized by the California Legislature Assembly. Her comedy has received awards from the City of Hawthorne and the Burbank Comedy (Covid) Festival. A certified Violence Prevention Specialist, Lorinda has produced events for the Skid Row community that bring awareness to domestic violence along with uplifting events that bring music. “Justice? Or …Just Me? The Bite, The Fight, and The Flight,” is her acclaimed book and solo play trilogy based on her journey as a domestic violence survivor. Her short film, “The Virus” has 8 wins in the film festival circuit including, “Best Covid” and “Best Comedy.” Her PSA spoof, “Domestic Violence: What Is It?” earned an honorable shout-out in the 2022 Green Screen Film Festival. She is honored to have been one of five playwrights for the Robey Theatre Company’s Commissioned Playwrights Project. Her play, “Vaccination Elevation,” had a recent staged reading at the historic Los Angeles Theatre Center. |