By Darlene Donloe
Contributing Writer
Akuyoe Graham speaks unequivocally about the work that’s being done through the Spirit Awakening Foundation, an organization she founded 30 years ago.
Spirit Awakening is an arts-based nonprofit dedicated to helping underserved youth in the juvenile justice system realize their value.
The purpose of Spirit Awakening Foundation is to stand up against racism, inequality and injustice while offering young people the tools and techniques needed to live in a more inclusive, just and safe world.
It’s also to train teenagers in autobiographical workshop techniques and to fund education in the broadest sense of the word — college, travel, art courses, or whatever pursuit will best aid the process of self-discovery.
Graham, a seasoned actress who often performs an excerpt from her one-woman autobiographical show, “Spirit Awakening,” and who recently produced a feature film by the same name, studied theater in New York, attending the High School of Performing Arts. Spirit Awakening, the show, details her physical and emotional voyage from Ghana to Britain to New York and served as inspiration for the foundation’s name.
Spirit Awakening Foundation will host its annual fundraiser, “Voices of the Unheard,” Oct. 18 at the Skirball Center in Los Angeles. It is called “a night of brilliance, inspiration, and artistic celebration.”
The evening includes spoken word, music and dance. Program participants include Masumie, Shanice, Jade, Sofia, Antonio, Dyone, Tia, Karmen Vasquez, and special guest artist Chloe Simmonds.
I recently spoke to Akuyoe Graham about Spirit Awakening’s upcoming fundraiser, “Voices of the Unheard.”
DD: For someone who has never heard of Spirit Awakening, explain it to them.
AG: We are an arts organization made up of different artists, writers, dancers, musicians and more. We mentor young people through those different arts disciplines. We create an environment where young people feel safe and loved and can be themselves and explore their gifts.
DD: Why is this year’s theme “Radiance?”
AG: We want to highlight the spark of genius that I believe is inherent in all humans. Whether it’s cultivated is another thing. We want to highlight the voluminosity of the people we serve, the people who have gone through painful experiences. At Spirit Awakening, we expect the greatest and the genius. Don’t play dumb for us. We want you at your best.
DD: You have some special guests and honorees for the event.
AG: One of our guest artists is Chloe Simmonds, a young dancer from Jamaica. She is extraordinary. She is doing a presentation through dance.
Several women are 2024 Spirit of Courage and Generosity honorees. My mother, Gladys Boye, a retired executive, is here from Ghana. She paid my rent 30 years ago and helped me do what I wanted to do. I want to honor her.
We are also honoring Estella Holeman, a wonderful writer and poet, and Lisa Small of Liberty Hill Foundation. We’re also honoring Tracy Jones and Xiaoli Kelly, both of whom are exceptional educators.
DD: Why is Spirit Awakening important to you and why should it be important to us?
AG: It’s important to me because we created a space where young people have been able to find their voice, their center, and meaning and value in their lives. In the presence of passion and care, let’s show them what’s possible. Some have gone through a dynamic transformation. We have been working with incarcerated youth for 29 years.
DD: Why do you continue to do Voices of the Unheard?
AG: There is so much noise in our world that it drowns out the young people who have been discarded. They need to be heard. It’s important because we can do better. This is a place for forgiveness. Turn around and love these children until they can love themselves.
DD: For those who have never been to Voice of the Unheard, describe the program.
AG: They will hear some great music. We have two dynamic singers. There will be some spoken word that’s been written by our young folks currently incarcerated. We have actors, musicians and dancers. They will stand for those who can’t stand on their own. Actress Francis Fisher will join us.
DD: Why do you continue to do what you do? Why do you care so much?
AG: I care because as a teen, I struggled with feelings of self-loathing. I didn’t like myself. It was painful to be me growing up. My struggle was unbearable. Once I became an adult, I began my journey of healing from the racism I experienced growing up in England.
Some things I experienced were subtle. For instance, my teachers couldn’t believe my scores were as high as they were. My mother had to come and say, “Yes, she did the homework.” In England, I had to defend my intelligence.
DD: What are you most proud of?
AG: When I see young persons and the light bulb goes on and they know they are more than their circumstances. It’s when they realize they are more than how they’ve been depicted. That’s when you know that child is not going to go back to who she thought she was. Something has been ignited. The fire has been lit.
DD: Since you launched Spirit Awakening, have things gotten worse over the years, stayed the same or gotten better?
AG: In many ways, a little worse. The young ones are watching the adults — and we are all acting out. Look at the wars, look what happened with George Floyd. On the one hand, those things need to be revealed. We need to see them. We have to touch the things that make this world a challenge. We get to see what’s going on. Some things have gotten better.
The county of Los Angeles recognizes that we need to reform and change our prison system where youth are concerned. It hasn’t worked. The juvenile justice system doesn’t work. It’s important to invest money in the arts. The arts play an instrumental part in letting our youth feel and grow. We need writers, artists and musicians. Now there is more respect for the arts.
DD: What kind of impact is Spirit Awakening making in the community?
AG: City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson is leasing us the fire station on Crenshaw. We will help the community use that space. We offer far-reaching experiences.
We take our young people to the Esalen Institute in Big Sur. We take the young people there. They get to be in the natural environment in a beautiful space. We take them and it’s free. We take them to Ghana, West Africa, for free. We provide experiences for young people that they may not have had.
DD: This takes a lot of work. How do you keep your energy up?
AG: Prayer and meditation. I walk on the beach. I love the water. I also have a great team I work with. I love my staff. I love the people I get to work with. I have support in the community. We’ve been doing what we’ve done with very little resources. Black women are the least funded. I lean into my faith.
DD: You and Spirit Awakening give so much to the kids. What do you get in return? What do you get out of this?
AG: For me, I can look back on my life and say this is part of my legacy. I came to this country and wanted to do something meaningful. I used my art form. I can use my talents in a meaningful way. It wasn’t about being famous. That never drove me. I am living my purpose and mission.
DD: What is your ultimate goal for the organization?
AG: For Spirit Awakening programs to be in more places and spaces. To be in every high school and middle school. It’s beginning to happen. We are in 10 different places now. We are working with foster youth and foster parents. We are working with those seeking shelter.
DD: What are you most proud of regarding Spirit Awakening?
AG: Our upcoming event.
Spirit Awakening, Voices of the Unheard – Radiance 2024, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. Tickets are available for $100. Information: www.spiritawakening.org, or email info@spiritawakening.org, or phone 866 456-8002.
Darlene Donloe is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers South Los Angeles. She can be reached at ddonloe@gmail.com.
