Lafayette, LA, September 20, 2023 —A film commissioned by the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, titled “The Chamber Room” by local writer and director Natalie Spencer, will be screened, followed by a facilitated conversation regarding the film and voting at the Clifton Chenier Center Auditorium in Lafayette on Thursday, October 5, 2023. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with screening at 6:30 p.m. This filmed play shares the voices of national civil rights leaders who pioneered the battle for African American voting rights with a young man not aware of the power of his vote and its relevance to his life.
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Cultural Crossroads, a non-profit committed to preserving and promoting BIPOC cultural and artistic expression, hosted the Artspreneur: The Business of Art Conference in Baton Rouge last March. At the conference, the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice granted four artists commissions themed “Your Voice, Your Vote, Your Power.” The awardees selected by conference attendees were KaDavien Baylor of Shreveport, David Jones II of Baton Rouge, Natalie Spencer of Lafayette, and Cherice Harrison-Nelson of New Orleans.
“The Chamber Room” represents the struggles, blood, sweat, and tears our ancestors faced to have the right to vote. The message of continuing to use our voice, vote, and power to bring about change must be heard throughout our communities. We must keep the conversation going to empower our young potential voters.,” said Spencer.
Ashley K. Shelton, Founder, President, and CEO of Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, added, “Power Coalition is proud to support community-based organizations and trusted community leaders throughout Louisiana. Culture Bearers hold such an important role and voice in communities throughout Louisiana. We believe that investing in artistic expression and cultural art practices continues a long-standing relationship between Art, voice and building power. Natalie’s play and film speaks to the long fight for voting rights in this country as we celebrate the 58th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) this year and the United States Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold Section 2 of the VRA in June.”
The film screening and reception will take place at the Clifton Chenier Center Auditorium, located at 200 W. Willow Street in Building C, at 5:30 p.m.
Contact: Quincy Bates
Power Coalition for Equity and Justice
Email: qbates@powercoalition.org
Phone: (832) 812-9084
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**About the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice**
The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ) is dedicated to facilitating civic and voter engagement across Louisiana. Guided by the principles of justice and racial equity, we work with our partners to build an integrated civic engagement strategy, amplifying the voices of historically marginalized communities. PCEJ is committed to empowering Black and Brown communities with the knowledge and resources necessary to amplify their voice and affect change.