Eight-day festival in Manhattan and Brooklyn using the arts to call for justice and equal rights
During the 2010 midterm elections, incoming politicians made attacking women’s rights a top priority. In response, the Word*Rock*& Sword Festival: A Festival Exploration of Women’s Lives (WRS) was born. It started as a simple idea to bring together a community for a concert fueled by women but meant for all and turned into a week long festival aimed at addressing issues facing the global community.
The eight-day festival will take place in Manhattan and Brooklyn between September 13 and September 20. It promises to be rich with concerts, talk backs, wellness activities, and film screenings, all focusing on justice, civil and women’s rights.
Toshi Reagon, the presenter and a singer, composer, producer, and activist, states that “While it’s been five years since WRS began, we still struggle with a political climate that tolerates and actively encourages systemic gender and race discrimination. I wanted to create a space where we can come together as a community and use our words, songs, and art to address our concerns on racism, violence, economic disparity, civil rights, gender equality, and LGBTQI rights. These eight days are a time to share our voices, our gifts, and focus our intentions for the greater good. And ultimately, result in these voices taking their rightful place in the mainstream.”
Over 20 musicians and artists will come together to share their gifts and celebrate women’s lives at the capstone concert.
For a full list of events and schedule, click here.