From Studio to Stage

The new song "U.S. - MURDER CAPITAL" is now available!

Growing up in a suburban bubble, I lived in blissful ignorance of the issues that hurt so many Americans-- issues that are deeply rooted in our criminal justice system. When I moved to Chicago for college, personal experience and thought-provoking professors shook me from that dream.

Now, as we work to continually progress, I encourage everyone to empathize, embrace the discomfort of dialogue and take intentional action.

Stepping on stage, 1230's own Terry Henderson and I have performed this piece around the city at various open mics, Solorio Academy High School and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Solorio, where I also serve through City Year, held an empowering open mic for Black History Month, and it was an honor to participate. I was proud to see my Louder Than A Bomb poetry students embrace their own agency.

At Good Shepherd, 1230 had the pleasure of performing a Christmas program this past season, and we were grateful to be invited back to perform the last Sunday of February. The set included "Suspicious Minds" and "U.S. - Murder Capital," as well as background information for the great congregation. It's amazing to see a group of passionate people, religious or otherwise, rally around a cause with energy and optimism for a better future.

Looking forward, we will be performing throughout our beloved city, including an album release party in April! Stay tuned.

The pen is mightier,

The Journalist