My Gratitude for the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival.

There is something undeniably powerful about being in a room—virtual or physical—where stories are not just told, but honored. As I reflect on my journey as the writer of LYRICS and my time with the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival (ABTF), I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude.

For me, theatre has always been about more than entertainment; it’s about connection. As a storyteller born in Jamaica and raised in Roosevelt, NY, my mission remains the same: to help voices rise.

The ABTF is a sanctuary for that mission. It is a place where the "strange loop" of our creativity finds a home and where the grit and grace of our experiences are celebrated.

I was reminded of this energy recently while watching the latest episode of "Let's Talk Theatre - Live!". Seeing the community come together to discuss the future of our craft, the challenges we face, and the triumphs we share was deeply inspiring. It’s conversations like these that remind me why we do this work. It’s not just for the applause; it’s for the culture, for the legacy, and for the future generations of artists who need to see themselves on stage.

Being part of this festival, both as a playwright and a leader, has been one of the highlights of my career. To every actor, director, volunteer, and patron who makes ABTF what it is: Thank You. You are the heartbeat of this movement.

If you want to feel the pulse of what we are building, I encourage you to watch the discussion here:

Watch "LET'S TALK THEATRE - LIVE! (Ep. 9)"

Let’s keep creating, keep pausing to acknowledge our gifts, and keep lifting each other up.

Your Voice Rises,