By Sharyn Hinton

Members of Brothers About Change, E-NUFF, the National Black Student Association and Sistas Talkin’ are collaborating to raise awareness about gang and domestic violence by putting on a series of performances including spoken word, rap, skits, singing and testimonials from survivors, family, friends and community members on Monday, March 21, 2005 at 8 p.m. in the Curry Student Center. Donations will be accepted on behalf of local community organizations Teens Against Gang Violence and Empowered Youth: Women Connecting Affecting Change.

The event, titled “Voices Against Violence,” has a dual purpose: to raise awareness about the tragedies that occur due to gang violence and domestic violence in the hopes awareness will lead to change in behavior and to raise funds for two community organizations that provide services to at-risk youth and victims of domestic violence. The event was planned to ensure the voices of those who have been killed or hurt by violence will be heard.

The event will include local rap acts as well as singers, poets and other artists who share the overall message. There will be artists from the Northeastern community as well as members of Teens Against Gang Violence and other various artists from the greater Boston area. There will also be a hip-hop fashion show by Antonio Ansaldi.

– Sharyn Hinton is a Ujima Scholars counselor at the John D. O’Bryant African-American Institute.