October 16th 2011 Footscray, Phoenix Youth Centre
October 17th 2011 Dandenong, The Castle
Former child soldier turned global hip hop sensation and peace activist Emmanuel Jal collaborated with Multicultural Arts Victoria's youth stream and Footprints Enterprises to facilitate two intimate and unique youth forums for a selection of culturally diverse Melbourne youth.
The Lions and Luminaries youth forums, held in both Footscray and Dandenong, gave young people a platform to discuss issues of race, rivalry and rising up against all odds with inspirational leader Emmanuel Jal. Featuring key youth speakers who had participated in early steering committee meetings and young people from selected local youth groups, services, organisations, and arts groups and schools.
For marginalised communities that too often suffer unjust media portrayals and carry the burdens of war and displacement in their history, there are too few role models to look to for inspiration.
At Lions and Luminaries Emmanuel Jal inspired many with his incredible story of ghetto to glory and gave in-depth answers and commentary to young people’s questions.
As a way of sharing their own stories and showing their appreciation, young people rose in the audience to do impromptu performances of spoken word, song and dance for Emmanuel Jal.
Ashiki Afrika
Proudly Presented by Multicultural Arts Victoria with the City of Maribyrnong
Following the Footscray Lions and Luminaries forum the inaugural African youth music festival Ashiki Afrika was held in Footscray's centre square, Nicholson St Mall.
Idja Dance Theatre gave a traditionally inspired welcome dance consisting of Indigenous Australian, African and Pacific Islander dancers and offered Jal eucalyptus leaves as a piece of country.
Emmanuel spoke with Ashiki Afrika host Mxc Wol about his current projects for peace and performed a traditional Nuer song and dance to officially open the inaugural Ashiki Afrika festival.
Young African and culturally diverse artists including Footscray based MASSIVE Hip Hop choir, Congolese big band Jerusalem Gospel Rumba, Burundian hip hop from Fly Bz, cultural dance sensations Culture Crew, Sudanese hip hop from Rising High and Sudo Boiz, all culture hip hop massive from Dig Deep, Sudanese revolution reggae from Rasta Peace Provider performed into the evening and impressed the audience of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
Ashiki Afrika made the news that night, receiving coverage from ABC Victoria and showing many locals faces and voices speaking for the Sudanese African community.
The combined result of these three events featuring Emmanuel Jal was an overwhelming positivity for the future, pride of sharing story and gratitude for new opportunities.
Many young people will remember these events as landmark opportunities themselves.
"Emmanuel Jal coming to Australia isn't just about him coming for a gig but coming to depict the existence of hope to the African community attesting that leadership, courage and bravery does exist and we could all overcome our challenges, if we work as one." - Victor Victor, young Lions and Luminaries forum host.
"Last night was great in the sense that it gives any individual like myself a realisation on their own culture. Motivating a person through his past war torn experience makes a person realise that anyone can do anything if they focus" - Richard Lominded, Sudo Boiz young artist.
"I wanted to pass on my thanks again for the opportunity to bring the kids to the forum, they shared stuff on the way home that they never had before, it was good, so thank you." - Jacynta Pittaway - Berwick Salvation Army Youth Worker
"Thanks for all your great work organizing the forum Sarah and Penne!! It was a wonderful event and all the young people from BSL Fitzroy who attended came away inspired". - Paul Daly, Brotherhood of St Lawrence
More Information
For more info www.multiculturalarts.com.au or 03 9417 6777
Supporters
Multicultural Arts Victoria and Footprints Enterprises thank our supporters and sponsors
Australia Council for the Arts, Arts Victoria, City of Maribyrnong, City of Greater Dandenong, Straightup and Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship
Emmanuel Jal with young Lions and Luminaries, and Forum host Victor Victor, Footscray
