Activism is a commitment to fostering equitable and democratic communities where everyone flourishes. Being an activist means getting involved and taking actions toward social justice. Art has always had a connection with activist movements. Often, art is created to spread information and awareness.

Bronx-based spoken-word artist Rob Vassilarakis (Simply Rob) was disowned by his family at the age of 17 for being gay and blazed his own path of creativity and activism. His life experiences led him to work with at risk youth focusing on issues of sexual identity and HIV / AIDS education and prevention. Vassilarakis is also a founding member of El Grito de Poetas, an all-Latino poetry collective.

VASSILARAKIS WILL BE PERFORMING POETRY AND DISCUSSING HIS LIFE AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES AS AN ACTIVIST AND EDUCATOR.

Refreshments will be served.