It is time for Big Noise Theatre to Make Some Noise.
As we move forward, it is our moral and social responsibility to use our platform to make a statement on the current events in our world. As a performing arts organization composed of artists and storytellers who understand that all voices must not only be heard but actively listened to, it is of the utmost importance to say completely and irrefutably that Black Lives Matter. It is our responsibility to stand with those who denounce the systemic racism that is happening daily across our country. It is our duty to say their names: George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Ahmaud Arbery. Sean Reed. Tony McDade. And countless other black Americans whose lives have been lost.
What can we do? In addition to making a statement on social media, the Big Noise Theatre Board of Directors will continue to take advantage of many anti-racism resources and educational tools. We encourage our patrons and Big Noise family to do the same by declaring the truth: Black Lives Matter. Furthermore, there are countless books that are essential to understanding systemic racism, such as "How to Be an Antiracist" by Ibram X Kendi, "Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do" by Jennifer L. Eberhardt, "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander, and so many more.
We encourage you to speak out against systemic racism in your community through your vote and your actions supporting the art and businesses of the black communities in your area. Keep an open dialogue and continue the conversation with your friends and family with the list of organizations, resources, and educational tools found at the links below:
Anti-Racism Resources compiled by Sarah Sophie Flicker, Alyssa Klein in May 2020
Black Lives Matter Chicago
Black Lives Matter National
Chicago Community Bond Fund
Campaign Zero, funding for policy change
Official George Floyd Memorial Fund
It is time for all of us to Make Some Noise.
Signed, the Big Noise Theatre Board of Directors