Our show on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, 12:00-1:00 PM, will look at the role of artists in advancing equality for women. Terry O’Neill, president of the National Organization for Women will serve as guest host for this very special show.
In the 19th Century, legendary radical feminist Emma Goldman remarked, “If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution.” That declaration captures a fundamental truth about political activism: there has to be room for joyfulness, and beauty, and artistic expression whenever we are working for positive change. For one thing, political change doesn’t get you very far unless the culture changes too. Artists inspire the public and create possibilities that politics alone can’t. Through poetry, song, dancing and film, artists influence the way we think about our world, our place in it, and our ability to shape our own futures.
Art also plays an important role in self-care. As every social activist knows, we can get so caught up in organizing and demonstrating that we forget the basics of caring for ourselves. Self-care includes getting enough sleep, nutrition, and physical exercise. But it also includes taking the time to appreciate beauty, whether it comes in the form of a song, a poem, a painting or a film. It is the artists who sustain our spirits on the long journey towards social justice.
Our guests are artists who are making positive change — nationally, internationally, and in their local communities. Candace Liger is a nationally recognized spoken word poet, performance artist, and social activist championing intersectional women’s issues. Grace Franklin is one of the founders and currently serves as Executive Director of OKC Artists for Justice. At 12:30 we will be joined by Eve Ensler, the renowned author of The Vagina Monologues, founder of the V-Day movement to end violence against women, and the creator of One Billion Rising.
How do these artists engage with activists to create cultural change, and how can our listeners become involved in creating cultural as well as political change? Join us as we talk about the fact that our revolution will definitely include dancing!
Be sure to listen live to the show on Tuesday, 12:00-1:00 PM, in the DC Metro Region, at WOL 1450 AM and worldwide on the Internet at www.BarbaraArnwine.com.
Spread the Word! You may call and make comments or ask questions during the show at 800-450-7876. A podcast of the show will be posted later Tuesday evening.
Grace E. Franklin
Grace E. Franklin is a native of Oklahoma City. She is a published poet, playwright, actress and director. She began her love of the arts […]
Candace Liger
Candace Liger is the CEO of #GoodFunk HeadQuarters, an organization emphasizing creative wellness, body activism, and proactive self-care for the fierce ones. Her current positions […]
Eve Ensler
Eve Ensler is the Tony Award winning playwright, activist, performer and author of the theatrical phenomenon and Obie Award winning, The Vagina Monologues, which has […]
Terry O’Neill
Terry O’Neill, a feminist attorney, professor and activist for social justice, was elected president of NOW in June 2009. She is also president of the […]
