Civics & Soul

Join Thrive East Bay for a special get-out-the-vote and transform-our-democracy Sunday gathering - Civics & Soul - featuring the luminous & legendary singer-songwriter Jennifer Johns, the heart-opening Thrive Choir, and an inspired community working to heal & transform our world.
At a moment when our democracy faces its darkest hour, we have the power to elect a new future, but only if we show up and let ourselves be heard. Given the state of our politics, how do we participate at the polls and in our communities with the fullness of our hearts and values? How can we vote & stand up together to unleash unimaginable possibilities? On the eve of the 2020 California primary and SuperTuesday, let's gather to remember the soul of democracy and energize the rising groundswell of hope and radical change.   
What: Thrive East Bay is a community that brings people together at the intersections of belonging, meaning, the arts, and social change. Thrive Sundays are an opportunity to connect with a diverse and inspiring group of people; to be uplifted by music, singing, poetry, and story; and to experience the transformative power of community in service to a just and flourishing world.
When: Sunday, March 1 from 4 - 6pm (please arrive on time!)            Food & Connecting from 6 - 7pm
Where: First Congregational Church of Oakland (walkable from 19th Street Bart station)              2501 Harrison Street              Oakland, CA 94612              (This venue is wheelchair accessible.)
Co-Hosts: Sunshine Michelle Coleman & Aryeh Shell

Guest Artist & Speaker: Jennifer Johns creates sounds and experiences that are sure to stir your soul, inspire your mind and move your body. This powerhouse vocalist, songwriter and producer vacillates between soul, hip hop, afro beat, dancehall, rock, reggae, deep house and more. Rocking stages from Denver to Dusseldorf, Los Angeles to London, Kuala Lumpur to Kampala - Jennifer has shared line ups with some of the best in the business including the likes of Ms. Lauryn Hill, The Black Eyed Peas, Mos Def, Capelton, Ziggy Marley, Gil Scott Heron, Wyclef, Les Nubian, De La Soul and Common to name just a few. With an intention to leverage her art for social movements, she has also found herself sharing stages with thought leaders like Van Jones, Dr. Michael Beckwith, Phaedra Ellis Lampkins, Malkiya Cyril, Shawn Ginwright and more. Over the last 8 years, Jennifer has has become a Green For All Fellow, a BoldFood Fellow, the Artist in Residence at Food First, the First Artist in Residence at Langston Hughes Center for Performing Arts Institute, and a Kapor Foundation Grantee two times over for her video journal on sustainability and poverty called Go Liv. In February of 2016, Jennifer began a journey called The F.U.N. Manifesto to ask people about their ideas of freedom. What was meant to be a three week trip became a 10 month odyssey that ultimately produced Jennifer’s first official release in nearly 10 years, AZANIA. 

Thrive Choir: The Thrive Choir was born to sing music for the revolution. They are a diverse group of vocalists, artists, activists, educators, healers, and community organizers based in Oakland, California. Their heartfelt and soul-stirring original music is a fusion of gospel, soul, and folk.
Cost: Tickets are sliding scale $10 - $20. No one turned away for lack of funds.
Tickets: Purchase a ticket here on Eventbrite.
Invite A Friend: Please feel free to invite your family and friends, and invite folks on Facebook here.
 
Food: Please bring a vegan dish or snack to share with others during the social hour following the program.
Childcare: Little ones to participate in our childcare offered for free during the event. Reservations are required so we can plan accordingly. If you would like a spot for your child or children, please RSVP at team@thriveeastbay.org.

Volunteers: We are seeking volunteers to help with the set-up and break-down of this event. If you are available to arrive early or stay late, please let us know at team@thriveeastbay.org. 

We look forward to seeing you!
In partnership,
the Thrive East Bay Team