Many of Cleveland’s theaters and community centers are about more than just putting on performances. They’re committed to bringing together diverse populations, working for inclusion, equity, understanding, justice and opening eyes to different views of the world. Naturally, many of them see what is going on in our city and in our country as a setback to their goals. Several of them have issued statements today, which we’d like to share.
*From Raymond Bobgan, executive artistic director at Cleveland Public Theatre:
We are all grieving as our hearts are broken again and again — not just by police, but by the wider system we are all part of. This onslaught of racism and violence against black lives is not new and it impacts us all, especially those who must witness people who look like them and their brothers, mothers, children, and loved ones murdered in the streets. We acknowledge this. It needs to be said again and again. Black Lives Matter.
And we acknowledge we occupy lands stolen from the indigenous people of this region.
Amidst our anger and hurt is also gratitude to the many black and brown people who have shared their stories with us and continue to share, even when it costs them to do so. We are also grateful to those who lived and worked on this land before us; their stewardship and resilient spirit make our residence possible on the traditional homeland of the Lenape (Delaware), Shawnee, Wyandot, Miami, Ottawa, Potawatomi, Iroquois, and other Great Lakes tribes and nations, and we acknowledge the thousands of Native Americans who now call Northeast Ohio home.
We at CPT are committed to learn.
And we are committed to our mission to nurture compassion and raise consciousness.
We are committed to justice for all people and this is so urgent for black people.
We recognize the horrors done unto indigenous people and the countless oppressions against all people of color. And on this day we want to especially emphasize: Black Lives Matter.
We will continue to center black voices and black stories as we strive to disrupt and dismantle racism and oppression.
*From executive director Mike Obertacz, artistic director Trinidad Snider and president of the board of trustees Steve Beiting, Near West Theatre:
Near West Theatre proudly and loudly supports, and stands beside our black brothers and sisters who continue to fight for rights and social justice that continue to be denied. We know that many of our friends, families, communities, fellow artists and arts organizations are grieving and trying not to lose hope. We are here with you. We are grieving. We are marching. We are protesting. We will continue to stand beside you and fight against all forms of systemic oppression and racism.
We believe a racially equitable institution is one where all voices and experiences are valued and respected. This is a process to which we are committed. We need to do better, and we can do better, starting with our own diversity. Near West Theatre will develop systems for becoming conscious of intrinsic bias and barriers that interfere with engagement, participation and advancement for people of color. This includes our staff, volunteers, leadership and board of trustees. We will acknowledge and dismantle inequities within our organization to create an inclusive, diverse, and racially equitable environment that is reflective of the community we serve.
We will not stop. We must do better. We will do better.
Black Lives Matter.
*From Lucinda Einhouse, president/CEO of the Beck Center for the Arts:
Dear Beck Center Family,
I am reaching out today to “check in” during this difficult time. As we take our first small steps towards recovering from a global pandemic, the murders of Black citizens in our country and the violent disruption of peaceful and necessary protest throughout the United States has been heartbreaking.
As employees, volunteers, patrons, and students, we must stand together to combat hate and promote justice. Systemic racism in our country is very real and those of us born into privileged positions must stand hand-in-hand with the Black community to say “enough is enough!”
I am thankful we work for an organization that is invested in anti-racism – which means a commitment to examine and constantly improve our own values and practices. I am proud of our passion for diversity, accessibility, and inclusion. We hope to be a beacon for you, and to create an environment where you can feel safe, loved, and respected.
*From Celeste Cosentino, Executive Artistic Director and the staff and board of directors at Ensemble Theatre.
BLACK LIVES MATTER. A STATEMENT FROM ENSEMBLE THEATRE OF CLEVELAND
We are horrified, heartbroken and outraged by the murder of George Floyd. We are here to listen, to stand with you, and to take direct anti-racism action.
The murdering and brutalizing of black and brown people by police is a public health crisis of which disturbingly George Floyd is only the most recent victim.
Stamping out white supremacy and its corollary of systemic racism is markedly difficult. Through a long, far reaching and abhorrent legacy, systemic racism and white supremacy have, and continue to negatively affect too large a number of African-American lives. No number is acceptable.
Ensemble Theatre, has a long history of involvement in, and support of the African American community throughout Northeast Ohio. Throughout our 40 year history, and my personal journey growing up in Cleveland Theatre, and in the Heights, I have had the honor of being surrounded and influenced by so many phenomenal people and artists of color.
We at Ensemble Theatre pledge to unabashedly challenge white supremacy, systemic racism, and racial injustice wherever it lives. Dismantling it begins with acknowledging and confronting its existence while taking direct actions to eliminate it and its impact on the people it targets.
This is not enough. We must also represent our community.
As we reshape our strategic plan, and adjust our priorities, we will work directly on bringing members of the African-American community into our organizational leadership as well as continuing to expand representation on our board of directors, challenging us to reexamine our work, and re-evaluate the focus and impact of our mission.
Black lives matter. Black voices matter. Black stories matter. Black art and culture matters. Black hopes, dreams, and fears, matter. Black-owned business matter. Black families matter. Black communities matter. Black justice matters.