The Cedar presents: Tou Saik Lee: Solidarity Process
Initially premiered on September 24th, 2020, 7:30 pm
On Thursday, September 24th at 7:30pm, join Cedar Artist Collective member Tou SaiK Lee as he unveils the Solidarity Process, three curated collaborations between artists from Black and Asian backgrounds. This is a continuation of We Believe in Unity: Black and Asian Solidarity, a program that premiered on The Cedar Public Access Channel on July 2nd featuring artists and speakers that explored the potential for cross-cultural solidarity in the current movement for justice for Black Lives.
For the Solidarity Process, dancers Averie Mitchell-Brown and Karen Yang choreographed a set of powerful moves that flow, migrate and shift perceptions for harmony. Twin Cities Bboys Lue “Finisher” Thao, Storm McKee, Ian “Slinky” Smith and Vong Lor came together to display compelling movements for the movement. Urban music artists Cydi Livin’ Wabi Sabi and SoloStar combine elements of language arts, melody, and storytelling to captivate us through their a cappella inspiration.
These performances create a counter-narrative to how media can divide communities with negative stereotypes and how different cultures can build bridges together to see commonality. A response to what “solidarity” can look like, this program continues to push the narrative of racial justice by unifying diverse voices through creativity. Solidarity Process was filmed live at Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center, with video and editing by Media Active. We value receiving feedback from people who tune in, and it helps us keep programming responsive to our audiences and improve! If you’re able to, we’re asking audience members to complete a short survey after they’ve tuned in. You can access it, here: https://forms.gle/FdiWDtQqZ2Lhs6Ti9
This episode was produced in collaboration with Media Active, a job training, skills development, and youth entrepreneurship program in which youth and young adults (ages 12 - 24) are paid a stipend to create media content (such as film/videos, photography, and animations) for non-profits, schools, governmental agencies, and arts organizations. Special thanks to Indigenous Roots Cultural Center for donating the use of their space for rehearsals and filming. The Cedar does not own rights to any of the music used in this video. Featured Tracks: Daye Jack - "Hands Up (feat. Killer Mike)" Mobb Deep - "The Learning (Burn)" Alabama Shakes - "Don't Wanna Fight" The Notorious B.I.G. - "Hypnotize"
The Cedar Public Access Channel is an online stream that presents creative content planned and produced by artists in collaboration with The Cedar. You can tune in through The Cedar’s Facebook or YouTube.