"The Change Movement" Ignites Crucial Dialogues at East Side Community Center
Tacoma, WA - In a vibrant convergence of community leaders, artists, and impassioned young people, "The Change Movement" recently sparked crucial dialogues at the East Side Community Center. This collaborative endeavor, led by Innovative Changemakers and Northwest Credible Messenger, championed environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, and robust community engagement. The event drew esteemed participants, including D Smoke, Lil Miss Flint, and Jerome Foster II, all of whom addressed the audience and participated in a live taping of the "Credible Conversations" podcast, with D Smoke also delivering a performance.
Brian Gatewood Sr., CEO of Innovative Changemakers, articulated the event's core mission: to bring often-ignored household topics, such as environmental and transportation justice, into the open. The hope, he conveyed, is for these conversations to permeate homes, fostering tangible change. Gatewood Sr. underscored D Smoke's presence, citing his profound community involvement and teaching background at Inglewood High School.
Aaliyah Olien, a peer mentor with Innovative Changemakers for two years, reflected on her experience, describing the organization as a familial bond. She emphasized the event's importance in raising awareness about pressing community issues, urging attendees to embody selflessness and contribute positively to their surroundings daily.
Chukundi Salisbury, the City of Seattle's Environmental Sustainability Education and Engagement Manager for Parks and Recreation, contributed to a dynamic panel discussion. He emphasized the vital importance of prioritizing environmental sustainability, justice, and equity, particularly within Black communities, where other pressing concerns often overshadow ecological discourse. Salisbury, an advisory member at the University of Washington's Nature Lab, expressed profound excitement at witnessing young people of color, including a White House climate advisor, engage in these pivotal climate discussions. He observed that while Black communities are increasingly connecting with nature through recreational pursuits, active policy involvement in climate change remains less prevalent.
Katie Neuner attended the event to immerse herself in the culture and witness the innovative spirit of youth-driven change. She noted that intimate performances, featuring figures revered by the youth, cultivate meaningful, personal conversations that transcend mere mass appeal. Neuner underscored the critical need for increased resources for youth, whom she regards as "the truth," and for sustained advocacy with council members and politicians to ensure the enduring legacy of such community-centric events.
DJ D’Doxx, a renowned DJ, highlighted the event's bedrock themes: "positivity, unity, and the kids." He conveyed profound appreciation for the initiative, proclaiming it to be a long-awaited and essential community endeavor. As a seasoned figure in the community's music and DJing landscape, he found the event to be a "breath of fresh air". He implored both the organizers and young participants to propel the movement forward relentlessly.
Luther Leonard, a Seattle-based hip-hop soul spoken word artist, representing Northwest Credible Messengers, expressed exhilaration at performing and opening for D Smoke. He characterized his hip-hop as inspirational, motivational, and revolutionary, dedicated to leveraging rap for community benefit. He also elaborated on the "Credible Conversations" podcast series, which unites community members and hip-hop to discuss positive impact. As part of Northwest Credible Messenger’s Black and Brown-led behavioral health agency, the podcast aims to foster culturally responsive community engagement and amplify the voices of Black and Brown individuals, alongside youth leadership. Leonard concluded by asserting that the event exemplifies the powerful synergy of community engagement, hip-hop, and impactful organizations, marking a truly historic moment.
