Black Lives Matter Global Network Co-Founder Patrisse Cullors Has First Solo LA Show ‘Respite, Reprieve, and Healing’

Photo Credit: Vivien Best/Getty Images

Black Lives Matter Global Network co-founder Patrisse Cullors brought a disruptive performance of cleansing and healing to the University of Southern California (USC) community in South Central, Los Angeles last night at her first solo show for her thesis performance. Cullors’ performance was dedicated to celebrating Black culture and healing the Black community to create a space of cleansing in times of trauma and crisis, as told through movement.

Those in attendance were asked to wear white to the interactive show, curated by Damon
Turner with featured artists Damon Davis, Tonina and Street Symphony, as they witnessed elements of performance, live music, sculpture and improvisation. The night began with a hair washing performance which explored the mundane experience of washing Black hair. Next, Cullors showcased her weight and release performance where she incorporated coconut milk, salt and honey as a form of symbolism and mediation. To close out the evening, Cullors lead a talk back about the impact activism has on Black bodies and the crisis of mental illness in our communities. This portion was powered by Reform LA Jails, an initiative formed to support a 2020 countywide ballot to grant the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department Civilian Oversight Commission with subpoena power to effectively and independently investigate misconduct. Learn more about Reform LA Jails here.

Photo Credit: Vivien Best/Getty Images

About Patrisse Cullors:
Artist, organizer, educator, producer, and popular public speaker, Patrisse Cullors is one of the most important activists for this generation. The Los Angeles native serves as co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Global Network, founder of LA-based organization Dignity and Power Now, and is a senior fellow at Moms Rising where she is working on ending Maternal Mortality and Morbidity. Patrisse has spoken at various events and media and brought justice and equality into conversations across pop culture and national platforms. See top stories on Patrisse Cullors and BLM on TIME, New York Times, Bustle, Los Angeles Times,USA Today, and Fortune.

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 18: Damon Turner, Damon Davis, Patrisse Cullors and performers attend Patrisse Cullors’ Thesis Solo Show on April 18, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Patrisse Cullor)

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