Surrounded by flora and fairy lights, guests were treated to the sometimes-funny, sometimes-heartbreaking, but always thought-provoking stories and poetry of Jon Goode. They were awed by rare footage from the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King shared by Malikah Berry who called on us all to “claim our birthright as activists”, and moved by the inspired jazz originals from Kenny Banks Jr. and his trio. The evening was anchored by Zipporah Camille Thompson’s exhibit, “Wild Chrysalis Bloom” on display in Whitespace’s main gallery. As the sun set, the evening culminated with a first ever, extemporaneous collaboration between Goode and Banks – an intoxicating duet of words and music that left audience members speechless before rising to their feet in appreciation!

But the event was more than just art for the sake of art. It transformed, ultimately, into an evening of music and words, dialogue and communion that blurred the lines between performer and audience — ushering in both community and healing.