Voices United

Here’s What We’ve Been Up To: Voices United’s Year of Impact

It’s been a memorable time for Voices United as we continue to foster inter-cultural dialogue, create powerful artistic experiences, and build a sense of community across the globe. Here’s a look at some of the things we’ve been up to: 

Raising Voice Event in Miami

This year’s Raising Voice Event was a tremendous success! We brought together Voices United Alumni of all ages for a powerful collection of performances, highlighting their incredible talent and growth. Alongside these performances, we hosted a silent auction and community-building activities, all during an inspiring art exhibit. It was a beautiful day of creativity, connection, and support for our mission. 

World Art Day in Lesotho 

To celebrate World Art Day, we connected with middle school students in rural Lesotho, exploring the works of Black artists from around the world who use various mediums. We created art together, shared stories, and discussed the value of art in shaping society and identity. These inter-cultural exchanges fostered a deeper understanding between us and the students, highlighting how art can connect us across continents and cultures. 

Voices United Village: A Creative Hub in Lesotho

We’ve had an exciting year at Voices United Village in Rothe, Lesotho! We welcomed six amazing visitors who each contributed to the vibrant energy of the Village: 

• David Woollcombe and Rosey Simmons, founders of Peace Child International, shared their global youth engagement and peace building expertise.
• Rhonda Chapman, a facilitator and consultant, brought her insights into community development and dialogue.
• Mike Hunter, AKA ScoonieG stayed with us for a month, leading a music residency where he introduced students to new musical concepts and collaborated with local musicians to write and perform a new song.
• Alfonso Brooks and John Irving from Afrikin joined us, sharing their knowledge of African arts and culture.

While they were with us, all our guests had the chance to visit Maseru, Rothe, Morija and Thaba Bosiu, all significant cultural and historic sites in Lesotho and even met with the local chief. It was a truly immersive experience for everyone involved, blending creativity, culture, and connection. We’re also thrilled to be almost done building our outdoor classroom at the Village, which will provide a dynamic space for learning and artistic expression in nature. 

Alumni Gathering at The Geffen Playhouse in LA

We also had a wonderful Voices United Alumni gathering in Los Angeles at the Geffen Playhouse, where we supported Tarell Alvin McCraney’s inaugural season. Alumni of all ages came together to watch The Brother Size and enjoyed an evening of food and fellowship with Tarell afterward. It was an inspiring moment for our younger alumni, who were able to connect with their more experienced peers and feel the deep sense of family that Voices United has cultivated over the years.