This past June in the wake of the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Boston-area musicians, poets, and activists came together for Activating ARTivism — a virtual festival that aimed encouraged to amplify our community’s voices through art, activism, and resistance. Artists like Amanda Shea, Brandie Blaze, Fortè, and more performed, shared their stories, their hearts, their frustrations, their hopes, and bared their souls. Violence in Boston Executive Director Monica Cannon-Grant reminded us that this fight against police brutality requires tenacity.

Now Activating ARTivism has gathered a new roster of artists for a second stream that will take place Tuesday August 18th and Wednesday August 19th from 7 – 10pm, to benefit MissionSAFE & Trans Resistance MA. MissionSAFE uses a Relational/Developmental/Trauma-Informed model to create conditions for resilience and positive transformation in youth. Trans Resistance is a community of Black and brown trans people and cis allies coming together to address injustice and demand change.

JD Neinast from Sofar Sounds says, “As soon as the first Activating ARTivism finished, we knew this would not just be a one time thing.  We’re excited to be raising money for MissionSAFE & Trans Resistance MA (two amazing organizations who are doing great work in Boston). We’re also partnering with SparkFM, Beat Club Podcast, and Brockton Beer Company — three Black-owned organizations in the Boston area.

Email proof of your donation(s) to activating.artivism@gmail.com for access to the live stream.