This line from an old hymn carries meaning on a universal level.
This evening was one example.
I was part of a panel of creative artists who spoke on Afrofuturism at an event sponsored by GROUNDSWELL, an organization that “…brings together youth, artists, and community organizations to use art as a tool for social change, for a more just and equitable world.”
One of the organizers of the event was program director, Jose Ortiz.
Both Tim Fielder and I have known Jose for over 30 years. We met him as a young man through an organization called the Children’s Arts Carnival. As a teen Jose studied art there. As a young man, he worked and eventually ran some of the programs. And now, in a different organization, he brought me, Tim, and other artists, together … to share our knowledge with another flock of young aspiring artists.
Quite the circle. One I’m immensely proud to be part of.
Alex Simmons is an award-winning freelance writer, comic book creator, playwright, teaching artist, and educational consultant. He’s written for Disney Books, Penguin Press, Simon and Schuster, Marvel, DC, and Archie Comics. Simmons is the creator of the acclaimed adventure comic book series, Blackjack. As a teaching artist, Simmons has created and taught creative arts workshops for students and educators in the US, Europe, West Indies, and Africa.
Simmons has served on panels and delivered lectures on children’s entertainment mediums, as well as empowering young people through the arts. Simmons founded the annual family event, Kids Comic Con, as well as three comic arts exhibits, which have traveled abroad. He is currently developing a comics and creative arts program for children all over the world.
During the past 35 years, Simmons has participated as a member of arts and education boards for several New York State nonprofit organizations, as well as one in Nigeria.
As a teaching artist Simmons has worked with youth through the Bronx Community College, the Christopher Barron Live Life Foundation, Apollo Theater In-School Arts Program, Henkel McCoy, Upward Bound, New York Council on the Arts, Children’s Art Carnival, Wings Academy, and NYU Creative Arts Team, to name a few.
He has been a panelist at many literacy and arts events, and he has been a guest speaker at numerous colleges and educational institutions here and abroad.
SimmonsHereAndNow 