The Sounds of Community

Several weeks ago, I found myself amongst the aromas and grinds of Saturday morning coffee. My co-worker Angela and I were to meet two women at the Coffee Emporium in Over-the-Rhine to discuss a monthly fundraiser they host, and Peaslee’s possible involvement. What I came away with was much more than talking of numbers and logistics. I came away with a greater appreciation of community and the power of gathering people together.

These two women, plus a team of several others, host The Village Walk, a monthly spoken word poetry and musical performance meant to raise awareness about issues affecting the community.  Mizzan, one of the women they work with in this effort, lost her son Larry (Lem) to gun violence in 2009. Devastated over their loss, the women came together to discuss what they could do about violence and other issues plaguing Cincinnati. Mizzan said “it’s going to take a walk of the village to fix it” (meaning walking through the village and gathering everyone together) and hence The Village Walk was born. 

Each month The Village Walk spotlights a nonprofit organization and half the proceeds go to that special group. This month, Peaslee Neighborhood Center was selected! Arts are a big part of our work here at Peaslee, so a fundraiser that includes art is an exciting thing for us to be a part of. Abyss, a spoken word poet and musician, is the headlining performer of the evening. The Atlanta native has appeared and starred on HBO’s Def Poetry. He was also the first poet to appear on BET’s 106th and Park. He spends his time traveling around to churches, jails, community centers and other events, where he speaks and performs. Visit http://teamabysslive.com/Home.html to learn more.

The Village Walk starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, at the Greenwich in Walnut Hills (2442 Gilbert Ave). Admission is a suggested $10 donation and half of that benefits Peaslee Neighborhood Center. We hope you can support us!

By Nina Bosken