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Goodbye, Mercédes!
This month we say goodbye to our Arts and Cultural Organizing Fellow, Mercedes Loving-Manley! Mercedes is a performer and storyteller born and raised in Dorchester, MA. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in creative writing and film, the stories she writes center on the lives of Black people, especially Black trans people.
During her year with us, Mercedes relaunched #PrideExtended, a campaign that centers the well-being and security of Black trans and nonbinary people through advocacy and wealth redistribution. As part of #PrideExtended, she organized self-defense workshops, music events, and panel discussions. In addition, she created the inaugural #PrideExtended Festival, which featured a month of music, performances, and interviews highlighting Black trans and nonbinary artists. She led Ujima's Arts and Cultural Organizing Member Team through Transformative Inspirations, a three-part workshop focusing on storytelling and queer filmmaking.
#PrideExtended accepts donations here, and keep up with Mercédes on Instagram (@lawdhavemerci).
Boston Election Information
Check out the following election dates below and mark them on your calendar:
September 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10: Early voting for Boston preliminary election
September 14: Boston preliminary election
October 13: Deadline to register for the municipal election
November 2: Boston municipal election
For more information, including ways to vote, you can read more here.
Arts & Cultural Organizing Fellowship
The Boston Ujima Project’s Arts and Cultural Organizing Fellowship supports emerging artists and cultural organizers. The Arts and Cultural Organizing Fellowship will be awarded to a member of Ujima who demonstrates a commitment to their artistic practice and a commitment to the principles of the Boston Ujima Project.
The Ujima Arts & Cultural Organizing Fellow will spend two years in an emergent, self-determined program tailored to the needs and interests of the fellow. Applicants should be organizers, musicians, choreographers, visual artists, filmmakers, poets, novelists, playwrights, designers, directors, and performance artists who would find it beneficial to spend two years working alongside Ujima’s vibrant membership body and community.
Who is eligible?
Current Voting Members of Boston Ujima Project
Over 18 years of age
Self-identified BIPOC community members
Boston residents
What is offered?
$20k stipend over 2 years time, distributed at your preference with a max of $10K per year.
Access to Ujima’s rich network including members and partners in the arts community.
If desired, individual support through regular meetings with Ujima staff and our wider network.
Proposals are due September 20, 2021. Applicants will be notified in November 2021. The fellowship period begins in January 2022.
Parents and QTBIPOC are strongly encouraged to apply!
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