NIA SOYEMI is a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity and has appeared on Broadway in the musical Hairspray, in the television series Law & Order: SVU, as well as numerous print ads and commercials. An actress, contemporary vocalist, and dancer, Nia enjoys spending her time developing her talents. A part of YPC since 2002, she is happy to now be invited to write a piece for such a talented group of young artists.
Q: What inspired the piece you wrote?
The inspiration from my piece came from the experience of attending the Coachella and AfroPunk music festival. The energy that happens in those concert venues is truly one of freedom and togetherness, following a standard of 100% inclusivity and acceptance.
Q: How have you been personally involved in or impacted by social equity issues?
Since my Junior year in High School, I’ve personally been involved in social justice issues through protests, donations, and lending my artistry to different fundraising projects in an effort to amplify social change.
Q: Is there a favorite lyric or part of the song that is particularly important/impactful to you?
“It’s our collective work and responsibility to find connections between communities” because we’re in a time where it’s all hands on deck. It’s a huge task and the load may be heavy, but many hands truly make a lighter load in the fight for a brighter and more inclusive future.
Q: What do you want listeners to take away from your piece?
I want the listeners to take away the message of accountability for the role that we all have played in continuing this toxic hierarchy, and actively make the choice to love on one another and stop being so divisive.
{% for social in post.meta('social_media') %}
{% endfor %}
