Santa Maria Sun / Art

Healing Justice SB seeks Black artists for upcoming virtual showcase, Black is Beautiful

Healing Justice SB, a Black-led and Black-centered organizing collective based in Santa Barbara County, is preparing for an upcoming virtual showcase, Black is Beautiful, which is scheduled to debut in February in celebration of Black History Month. This visual and performing arts showcase will include acts of dance, spoken word, street art, comedy skits, music, and other media. 

Black History Month IMAGE COURTESY OF HEALING JUSTICE SB

Black artists, both locally and nationally, are welcome to enter pre-recorded videos of their submissions to Healing Justice SB for consideration. Entries are due by Jan. 22, online at hjsb.org/bibsubmit. Participants will be notified if their submission is chosen. 

There is no minimum age to participate in the showcase, but guardian waivers will be required from any artists under 18 years of age. Participation waivers will be required from all artists accepted into the showcase. Video submissions should be about 5 to 10 minutes in length and must be submitted in an MP4 format. Up to three videos may be submitted per individual or group. Participants are asked to record videos with minimal background noise and proper lighting, to the best of their ability. 

Healing SB was formed in response to the destabilizing impacts of racism and “aspires to build resilient communities for the African diaspora and other marginalized people along the Central Coast.” Leticia Forney, co-organizer of Healing Justice SB and director of Black is Beautiful, and other event coordinators are aiming to “provide opportunities to share Black/African American culture and joy for collective healing,” according to the nonprofit. 

Visit hjsb.org to find out more about Black is Beautiful and more updates from Healing Justice SB.