Creative Protest: Sacramento’s Fall of Freedom Event
Over a vibrant weekend in November, the Sacramento Poetry Center became a powerful hub for creative protest, hosting one of over 600 national ‘Fall of Freedom’ events. Local artists and community members gathered to share urgent political and personal expressions, uniting in defiance of authoritarian forces. This grassroots iteration underscored Sacramento’s role as a growing center for progressive opposition and artistic inclusivity.
A National Call Answered Locally
The ‘Fall of Freedom’ is a national open-source initiative urging the arts community to resist rising authoritarianism. Sacramento answered this call emphatically, with the Sacramento Poetry Center and I Street Art Studios hosting two days of open mics, discussions, and art exhibits. Spearheaded by the Sacramento Poor People’s Campaign, these events fostered a critical space for dialogue and creative resistance right here in the R25 Arts Complex.
Voices of Defiance and Hope
The atmosphere at the Sacramento Poetry Center was electric, filled with fervent snaps, vocal affirmations, and enthusiastic applause. Attendees experienced a powerful range of expressions, from blunt critiques of national political figures to poignant calls to stop mass deportations, and deeply personal reflections on themes of erasure, racism, and grief. Roseville’s Taylor Cummings set a compelling tone early on Saturday with the declaration, “Arise poet / The call has never been greater / The world has never needed your words more,” resonating with the near-capacity crowd.
Performances that Resonated
The Sacramento Raging Grannies brought both levity and sharp political commentary, delighting the audience with charmingly off-key renditions like “Super Callous Fragile Racist Narcissistic Potus” and Queen parody “We Will We Will Block You.” As Faye Wilson Kennedy, a powerhouse anti-poverty organizer and proud Raging Granny, noted, “We’re not meant to sound good… Raging Grannies show up and irritate people,” perfectly encapsulating their effective, engaging approach to activism through song. Newcomers also shone brightly, including Hazel, who captivated the crowd with her narrative “One Way Ticket,” exploring poignant immigrant experiences. Additionally, longtime Sacramento resident Michael R. Gorman delivered a forceful poem, making his protest intensely “personal” as he referenced recent incidents alleged to be anti-LGBTQIA+ hate crimes in Sacramento’s Lavender Heights district, including a Halloween attack that left his friend hospitalized.
Muralist Ruby Chacón of the Sacramento Poderosas contributed award-winning immigrant rights paintings, featuring QR codes linking to crucial “Know Your Rights” information, seamlessly blending art with direct action.
Art as a Catalyst for Engagement
Patrick Grizzell, president and founding member of the Sacramento Poetry Center, articulated the evening’s theme as “justice, freedom, and the loss thereof,” playfully adding that “freedom is freedom, so do what you want,” despite the serious undertones. He underscored the natural synergy between art and activism, highlighting the Poetry Center’s recent push for greater artistic inclusivity. This vision was particularly important as some of the center’s regulars face hunger and homelessness, and the event provided a safe ground and a vital platform for their voices. By welcoming both seasoned artists and emerging talents, the ‘Fall of Freedom’ successfully embodied its goal of inviting all to contribute to the resistance.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Movement
Local organizers, including community organizer and artist Mack Wilson and anti-poverty organizer Faye Wilson Kennedy of the Sacramento Poor People’s Campaign, confirmed that ‘Fall of Freedom’ is not a one-time event. Navy veteran Farrah Chacon Kirby highlighted Sacramento’s growing importance as a hub for progressive opposition, stating, “Sacramento is the only city that has a chance to defend against [President Trump].” The hope is to connect existing artist and activist groups, sparking ongoing coordinated resistance efforts, with ideas already surfacing for a ‘Winter and Summer of Freedom.’
This important journalism was made possible by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento, ensuring independent reporting on vital local initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the “Fall of Freedom” event?
It was a two-day gathering at the Sacramento Poetry Center, part of a national initiative for artists to express defiance against authoritarian forces, featuring open mics, discussions, and art exhibits. - Who organized the Sacramento event?
The Sacramento Poor People’s Campaign spearheaded the local iteration, with the Sacramento Poetry Center as the primary venue and contributions from groups like Sacramento Poderosas and Art of Resistance. - What kind of art and protest was featured?
Performances included political poetry, comedic protest songs from the Raging Grannies, personal narratives on immigrant experiences, and visual art addressing immigrant rights and local social issues. - Will there be more “Fall of Freedom” events in Sacramento?
Yes, local organizers intend for the movement to continue, hoping to connect artist and activist groups for ongoing coordinated resistance efforts, with discussions of “Winter and Summer of Freedom” events. - How was this story funded?
The story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento, with full editorial independence and no city influence.
The ‘Fall of Freedom’ event vividly demonstrated Sacramento’s artistic and activist spirit. For those looking to get involved, supporting local independent journalism like the Sacramento News & Review, signing up for newsletters, or connecting with community groups is an excellent way to stay informed and contribute to ongoing efforts for justice and freedom in our city.
Sacramento hosts Fall of Freedom creative protest
