Diaspora People’s Month

July has always been associated with independence and freedom in America, but since America fails to live up to its stated ideals and continues to oppress people of color, we have decided to reclaim July and celebrate diversity and the fight for freedom against white supremacy.

SAMASAMAxSCL will provide artists with the platform to share their work, speak their truth, and redefine America during this revolutionary time. Each week, we will showcase multiple artists and have discussions on various topics such as politics and diaspora culture. Attendees will be able to ask the artists questions, learn more about their practice, and of course, buy their art via our Diaspora People’s Month Gallery. 100% of art purchases will go to the artist.

All events are free and open to the public—any donations made during ticket registration will be directed to sustaining SAMASAMAxSCL’s free cultural offerings, and 10% of funds will be donated to the DC Chapter of the Movement for Black Lives.

We appreciate you for supporting this collective work!

Program Schedule

Week 1: Philosophy, Art, and Action | July 1, 7-9pm
Jon Henry, Tammy Nguyen, Dominic Green

Week 2: Heritage and Identity | July 8, 7-9pm
Nate G, Ina Padua, Muriel Villalobos

Week 3: Diaspora DC, Migration, Displacement | July 15, 7-9pm
Mignotae Kebede & Mansa Johnson, Matt Manalo, Jamilla Okubo, Antonio Hernandez

Week 4: Politics | July 22, 7-9pm
Shani Shih, MONOLITH, Adriel Luis & Charles Jean-Pierre

Week 5: Envisioning Eǔtopia + Closing Ceremony | July 29, 7-9pm
Lovely Umayam, Peap Tarr & Lisa Mam, All-Vinyl DJ Set: Les The DJ

The Gallery

Each week in July, we will be adding new works to the Diaspora People’s Month gallery! Browse all the works here.

Partners

Sustainable Culture Lab (SCL) is a cultural think tank committed to combatting and raising awareness of ethnocide—the killing of culture, while keeping the people—and the fostering of Eǔtopian spaces. The goal of our work is to both influence policy by working with legislators and decision-makers, and to also impact culture at a grassroots level through their events, work, and cultural offerings.

Through art and gathering, SAMASAMA highlights Asian American and Pacific Islander experiences to raise our voices collectively, acknowledging we’re part of a greater community and that we are all in this together. SAMASAMA programs showcase diversity within AAPI and diaspora communities as a platform for nuanced conversations and connection. As an unincorporated non-profit project sustained by volunteers, all donations fund SAMASAMA’s public offerings, as well as organizations supporting AAPI communities and allies.