Are you looking for a different kind of outreach in observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day? Try an evening of artistic performance. Brave Soul Collective is putting on a unique show for mature audience created just for NBHAAD. “Moments Of Truth: Healing Ourselves from the Inside Out” is a blend of spoken word, performances, and testimonies about mobilizing the African-American community around HIV/AIDS education and outreach.
In an interview with the group’s founder, Monte J. Wolfe, we find out how art and HIV awareness can present a very moving message.
What inspired you to do this performance?
I was inspired to do present this work around December 1st of last year (which was World AIDS Day). I originally wanted to present a performance in honor of that day, but the timing wasn't right and apparently I had some more "stuff" I had to experience before it was ready to come forth.
What is your history with HIV?
My history with HIV is that I'm living with the virus. I tested positive on November 30, 2004, just 3 weeks after my 30th birthday. I remember waking up the next day (which was World AIDS Day) and having a host of feelings run through me. Since that time, I've experienced a wealth of situations including disclosing my status to my family, coming to grips with the diagnosis myself, dealing with some pretty severe self esteem/self worth issues, just to name a few. After telling my mother about my status nearly one year after my diagnosis, I felt like a weight had been lifted off me because she, along with all my other close friends and family I disclosed to embraced me with open arms.
From there, in February of 2006 it was laid on my heart to create a "network/support system/ outlet" for people like me who are black and gay, HIV positive, and are also artists. Thus, in the spring of 2006 Brave Soul Collective was born.
How can art help African-Americans defeat HIV?
I feel art can help people period but especially us as African Americans. Art can defeat HIV by reducing stigma and shifting perception by shedding light on all of the factors that contribute to many of us putting ourselves at risk in the first place. The things of which I speak can range from family/childhood upbringing, self worth, body image, socio-economic status, religion, spirituality, etc.
What we as artists choose to do is open ourselves up and expose all of what goes on inside of us. Good, bad, ugly, beautiful, and everything in between. Oftentimes, all it takes is for someone to identify with someone or something that they witness in an artistic performance in order for them to really begin the process of shifting their perceptions, behaviors and overall outlook on life and all that it encompasses. I always like to say that artists are like sponges - we absorb everything we come in contact with. The beauty of what happens (hopefully) with most art that is shared is that it heals something within the person who created and/or performed it as well as touching the hearts and minds of individuals who experience it. It's an exchange that I choose to believe is sacred and is ultimately spiritual in nature. Anytime someone can open up their heart and share what they feel and have someone else connect with it, that's a blessing.
Moments of Truth will be performed on Tuesday, February 7th Warehouse Theater 645 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001. Showtime is at 8 pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and at the door. Free HIV testing will be offered by the AHF/Blair Underwood Healthcare Mobile Testing Van.
Special thanks to Shawn Spencer from Spencer's Photography.
Click here to purchase your tickets.
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