This has been a long and on-going process...Who would've thought that we'd have so many amazing local poets in the city of Nashville just dying to perform at a Human Rights event?

I've been coordinating "Words for Human Rights" for about 2 months now and the original plan was to have 3 artists perform a set and then a few more people performing a piece in between sets. Well, that idea has gone astray. I have TOO many artists signed up to perform so they will all perform equally. Music has also intergrated itself into my event somehow. I have Pejmon, a graphic designer, creating a flyer for the event free of charge. I'm not quite sure how many students from MTSU and Vanderbilt intend on attending but I hope Cafe Coco can accomodate all of them. Although the event will implement a cover charge, our main goal is to educate the public and our fellow Nashvillains about current human rights violations taking place around the globe. We will do this by the use of words. Paul Rusesabagina wrote in An Ordinary Man that "words are the most important weapons or tools of life" (That's not an exact quote). So if this is true, words will be our most effective tool to promote awareness and cause an impact in these student's lives. We need them to get uncomfortable and angry. We WANT them to be upset that this is going on. Everything can't be painting with water colors onto a smooth canvas. Instead, let's paint them a picture with fine lines using the most accurate brush strokes and focus on minute details. Let's imitate M.C Escher and provoke mind-bubbling thoughts, provide them with images that will conquer their mind, and force them to think. Make it a painting that is crystal clear...and not leave anything out. The more they know, the more upset they will be...and in return, THEY will have the power to make a change, cause an impact, and spread the word. This is our ultimate goal. 

I've been losing sleep over this event although it is 2 months away. I'm excited, nervous, anxious, all of the above. I'm also a bit worried that some of the poets will be politically or religiously biased despite the fact that I explained the rules. Amnesty International does not affiliate with a particular political party or religion...and since this event is directed by yours truly, in the name of our Amnesty International chapter at MTSU, there can't be politically/religiously biased poetry. 

Occasionally I get a bit frustrated about maintaining my political views separate from my Amnesty International events. I tend to be so politically-involved that it becomes difficult to fight for Human Rights without bashing on the government officials that are involved in the violations. But regardless, I am passionate about Amnesty and I enjoy being the Urgent Action coordinator. 

This is all for the time-being. Those of you that enjoy travelling or live in Nashville should definitely attend.

"Words for Human Rights"

Cafe Coco on Louise Ave

Nashville, TN @ 8 pm on October 10th, 2008

Peace, Love, and Soul,

Kidd