Facing Change: Anti-Racism
Monday, February 15, 6 – 7:30pm

Writer Vanessa Julye will join the next conversation in our new series about race in America.
Free; registration required
About the Event
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” —James Baldwin
Join us for Facing Change, our new online speaker series. Every other month, the Barnes is bringing together artists, scholars, and community activists virtually for a multicultural and intergenerational conversation about race in America.
Today’s conversation focuses on anti-racism—a form of action against racism and the systemic oppression of marginalized groups. The panel features writer Vanessa Julye, musician Doug Hirlinger, and poet Nina “Lyrispect” Ball, with producer Loraine Ballard Morrill as moderator. During the program, you’ll be encouraged to use the chat function to submit your own questions.
Ahead of the program, we encourage you to read Vanessa Julye’s writing on anti-racism in Friends Journal.
Registrants will be emailed a link to the program by 5pm on Monday, February 15.
Panelists

Vanessa Julye
Julye is coordinator for the Friends General Conference’s Ministry on Racism, Youth, and Institutional Assessment. Her work focuses on increasing awareness of racism in the Quaker and sectarian communities. She is a co-author of Fit for Freedom, Not for Friendship: Quakers, African Americans, and the Myth of Racial Justice.

Nina “Lyrispect” Ball
Lyrispect is an award-winning lyricist, author, educator, and voiceover artist whose work empowers, challenges, and inspires through the compelling marriage of multiple art forms. She is an activist and advocate for girls, women, people of color, and marginalized communities.

Doug Hirlinger
Hirlinger is a drummer, composer, producer, and educator who is increasingly interested in intersections between digital technology, activism, improvisation, and sound/music.

Loraine Ballard Morrill, moderator
Morrill is news and community affairs director for six iHeartMedia stations in Philadelphia (Power 99 FM, WDAS FM, ALT 104.5 FM, The Breeze 106.1, The Gambler 1480, and Q102). A veteran producer and broadcaster, she has received recognition and numerous awards for her reporting and community affairs contributions, including six National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Awards for Service. Morrill is also the host and producer of Insight and What’s Going On, about local and national issues impacting Philadelphia.
Upcoming Talks
White-Adjacent
Monday, April 19, 2021
Panelists: Anne Ishii, Rey Miranda, and Mel Hsu
Moderator: Loraine Ballard Morrill
Cultural Appropriation
Monday, June 14, 2021
Panelists: Quentin Williams, Colette Fu, and Alex Shaw
Moderator: Loraine Ballard Morrill
About the Series
Facing Change is a speaker series and community conversation grounded in the belief that all people are created equal and all systems need to be regularly assessed for equity. Every other month, leading scholars, artists, and activists will engage in important discussions, guided by guest moderators and you, the viewer, to ensure we examine the nuances that are sure to arise in conversations about race in America.
The Barnes has a history of working alongside the Black community. This series, along with other initiatives, continues our practice of working toward equality for all. Created in partnership with Loraine Ballard Morrill, OneHunted, Small But Mighty Arts, and the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival.
Past Talks
Facing Change: Colorism
Scholar-activist Dr. Yaba Blay, performing artist Madhusmita Bora, and workforce development advocate Sean Robinson. Moderated by producer Loraine Ballard Morrill.
Recorded October 12, 2020.
Facing Change: Race as a Social Construct
Film and media scholar Rob Buscher, writer and arts administrator Kalela Williams, and performing artist Ani Gavino. Moderated by producer Loraine Ballard Morrill.
Recorded December 14, 2020.