An opportunity for creative artists and activists
The deadline has been extended for applications for community microgrants provided in association with the Time for Reckoning symposium held throughout the month of October.
Proposals are encouraged from local activists, creative artists, grass-roots community groups, writers, filmmakers and people of all ages -- especially students -- who are actively engaged in collaborative efforts to address systemic racism and to create work and actions to overcome it.
The first recipient of a Time for Reckoning microgrant is the Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY. Its founder and director Jean-Remy Monnay believes in the power of theatre for social change. "People protest differently," Monnay said. "Each time I put on a play about social injustice or racism, it's always positive, to teach people. The only way you can change your heart, the only way you can move toward the future, is to know about your past." Watch a video conversation with Monnay and Writers Institute Director Paul Grondahl posted on September 30.
The Time for Reckoning, a production of the Center for Law and Justice and the New York State Writers Institute at the University at Albany, examined the impact of systemic racism on Capital Region communities, with a goal to raise awareness, foster dialogue, find common ground and work collectively to create a more just society.
Funding for these microgrants is provided with a gift from the Steve McKee Foundation of Troy. An independent agency will help determine the selection of the awardees. Proposals are being accepted through December 31, 2020.
Application form
Produced in the wake of national and local public outrage over the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, The Time for Reckoning: Confronting Systemic Racism, Seeking Justice and Reimagining Society presented four themed weeks addressing community concerns. The symposium culminated with a New York Now program devoted to The Time for Reckoning symposium.
The Center for Law and Justice and the Writers Institute were joined by collaborators WMHT, the Times Union, the Justice Center of Rensselaer County, All Of Us, Youth FX, Amnesty International USA, and other community partners.
For further information, please contact Dr. Alice Green at alicecflj@gmail.com, or Paul Grondahl at pgrondahl@albany.edu.
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