CONVERSATIONS FROM THE ROAD

Just over 2 weeks into my journey across America, I have been inspired and galvanized by the conversations with the folks who attend FULLY AWAKE screenings. We are mainly screening in community centers and back yards, as a way to create more intimate connection for more lively conversations.

In New Orleans, the audience shared their desire for this type of education, with one audience member sharing how her high school students begged her to open her own school...and she did! Spectrum Arts NOLA is rooted in creativity, rising through community, and reimaging the future. We are deeply inspired by creative out-of-the-box solutions we can enact when we have courage and a community to support leaping into the unknown.

In Austin, artists and young folks led the dialogue, noting the cis white male leadership at the College, which is certainly a part of its history. While BMC integrated before most southern schools and had many women in leadership positions. it was still very much a school of its time...and in 1933, white men were the core of leadership.

In Manitou Springs, we talked about manmade laws and how can we bring BMC into our daily lives. One audience member spoke of her 16 year old son who is more interested in his screens than community. One possible answer from founder John Andrew Rice might be: increase the invitations to experiences in life (a line in FULLY AWAKE) ~ ideally through the arts ~ to physically engage and become active with hands-on opportunities to create.

We are now in Denver, with a screening tonight at the Goddess Temple. What will this conversation illuminate? We will know soon enough. Dwelling in the Mystery has been one of my favorite parts of this film tour. Stay tuned!