In the green room channeling all required to honor the poem. . Sharing the poem on a stage that those who came before me were never invited to. . A photo before the stage, with my love & my @vp . After the poem w/ @thetamlyntomita who generously introduced me to these fine folks (Mayors @wutrain & @aftabpureval)& many more. . Awesome @auliicravalho, who was supercool to my love @maggieday555 . Still reflecting on the names written on these shoes & countless more. How I can be more present for those who've yet to be included. What my gifts' potential is in expanding perspective within institutional spaces. My responsibility in the privilege to pink silk my words for the top balcony. Our yearning to find connection stronger than all our conflict. All the work that lies ahead for me and how to keep committing to it. The folks who been doing this work and made it possible for me to arrive at this place. The price I must be willing to pay in order to honor the poem and all it may bloom. . . . Thank you to all the folks I met & all the folks I worked with & all the folks who made time for a kind word and a lovely exchange. Gratitude to @bradjenkins, @aapivictoryfund, @taaforg, @kennedycenter, & everyone I shared the stage with that night. May we learn from each, be courageous on behalf of each other, and harness the full collective to work with one another until the end of the myth of The Other. #tbt . . . dope first photo taken by: @maggieday555