LEMON•aid is a poetic experience that combines spoken word poetry with visual imagery to depict the bittersweet relationship between struggle and triumph in a strained social economic infrastructure.  LEMON•aid speaks to the strength, tenacity, and resilience it takes to overcome the odds of those whose lives are riddled with lemons from institutional racism and segregation practices like: redlining, housing discrimination, inadequate education and employment, blockbusting, white flight, urban renewal and gentrification. This poetic work draws on my own experiences growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a place that has been referred to as the second-worst city for African Americans by Forbes Magazine. I take a crucial look at the age old adage "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade" and beg the question, what if you can't because the water is poisoned?

 ArtPrize 10
September 19-October 7, 2018
SiTE:LAB
415 Franklin St SE
Grand Rapids, MI, 49507
Support the project by donating here
VOTE FOR LEMON•aid here