wakeATL co-founders talk music, art and political action

In supporting Vincent Fort’s mayoral campaign Atlanta activists embrace the dangers and rewards of taking a stance

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Photo credit: Kelley Alexander
POLITICAL ANIMALS: WakeATL is Yung Matthew (from left), Obeah, Keith William and Alexa Lima

Since August of 2016, Keith William, Alexa Lima, Yung Matthew and Obeah of experimental hip-hop outfit Wake, along with a handful of others, have organized the semi-regular wakeATL “Call To Action” events. Each event, held every three months or so, is a variety show of sorts, rallying musicians from various genres, visual artists, community activists, speakers and more to address social justice topics ranging from local resistance following Trump’s presidential election, to police brutality and housing inequality. On Tues., July 25, wakeATL is sponsoring a fundraiser for Sen. Vincent Fort’s Atlanta mayoral campaign. Local acts CLAVVS, Sister Sai, WAKE (performing a beat set) and Dryver are on the bill performing for the cause. William and Lima took a few minutes to talk about the dangers of taking a staunch political stance with music and art and what they hope to accomplish.


Why do you organize wakeATL events?

Keith William: To connect the art and music community with the social justice activist community. Our goal is to engage members of our community politically through music, visual arts, literature etc. Before anything we are artists and musicians. We believe it’s important for every member of the community to use their specific skills to shine awareness on issues and empower each other.

Alexa Lima: Raising awareness through music is the most natural and relatable way to reach as many people with our voice as possible.

KW: We will have Senator Fort in the building as well as several organizations that he has fought alongside of in the past like Housing Justice League. We will also have a booth for people to register to vote. Our goal is to bring together people in the city and have information about Senator Fort’s campaign in hopes that they support his run for mayor.

 

Is there danger in taking a staunch political stance geared toward protest in the era of so much social injustice?

KW: Absolutely. I literally started receiving death threats once we started throwing wakeATL events. Not to mention I am sure there are a lot of people who are now turned off to us personally and artistically because of the social justice work that we do and the people that we affiliate ourselves with.

 

But it’s worth it to keep up the fight?

KW: No question. If you’re not getting death threats than you’re not doing it right ... Right? (laughs).

 

What’s the number one change you hope to bring about?

KW: I would like to engage more members of the art and music scene. I would like to see every event tie in some type of informative aspect in regards to local activist organizations. Even something as simple as having an organization set up a table of information. We have a responsibility as artists in this city to honor the rich history of resistance. I would like to help shine a light of awareness on issues like police brutality, gentrification and white supremacy as well as the selfless people and organizations that continue fighting for these causes.

AL: More awareness. More cross-pollination within the music/art scene in Atlanta.

 

What is the common thread that ties acts like Wake, Sister Sai, CLAVVS and Dryver together?

AL: I think we share the same deeply rooted passion for standing up, speaking out and doing what is right. You can clearly hear that within each group’s music as well as in our day-to-day lives.

KW: I can’t speak for any acts other than WAKE, but I believe that all of the acts stand up for progressive ideas and stand behind someone like Senator Fort who is fighting for the betterment of all members of our community not just the rich and powerful.

 

Why is Vincent Fort your pick for Mayor of Atlanta?

AL: He is genuine and passionate about issues that affect marginalized people here in Atlanta.

KW: His platform is built on progressive policies, such as creating a $15 living wage, prioritizing affordable housing, investing in the arts and decriminalizing marijuana. Senator Fort is passionate about holding police accountable by requiring body cameras and restricting “no-knock warrants.” He also plans to provide Atlanta high school graduates with free two year technical college programs. Not to mention the fact that several candidates running for mayor are connected with the current administration, Kasim Reed, and it’s time we take the power out of the hands of corporations that have been shaping this city as they see fit. While the pockets of Reed and his friends, including Kwanza Hall and Keisha Lance Bottoms, have been filled with money, communities of people have been displaced and left in ruin. I am tired of broken promises and seeing citizens of this city stepped on by politicians. I believe that Senator Fort is the only choice for mayor who is empathetic to the needs of the people in this city.

Wake, Sister, Sai, CLAVVS and Dryver play Aisle 5 on Tues., July 25. Free (donations at the door will be given to Sen. Vincent Fort’s mayoral campaign). 9 p.m. 1123 Euclid Ave. N.E. www.aisle5atl.com.