Shakespeare is not a voice we naturally turn to for racial justice. There are elements of his work that are problematic for Black artists and audience members.
But at his best what Shakespeare tries to do in his plays is to see every person as a full and complete human being.
Delaware Shakespeare’s vision is a world where people from all walks of life celebrate and explore their shared humanity through the lens of Shakespearean works.
We still have work to do to find that shared humanity. As does Delaware. As does our country. The death of George Floyd and the resulting nationwide demonstrations have made that very clear.
But Delaware Shakespeare will keep trying to do its part, and stands in solidarity against racism, hate, and brutality.
Many of our Community Tour partners have been doing this work for years. These are Delaware groups – and there are so many more – that you can learn more about and join in the efforts to make a better world for us all.
Christina Cultural Arts Center
Delaware State University
First State Community Action Agency
Inner City Cultural League
Kingswood Community Center
Latin American Community Center
Rosehill Community Center
Wilmington HOPE Commission
YWCA Delaware
If you are white, and either a leader of a cultural organization or a person who loves the arts, Dr. Indira Etwaroo of The Billie Holiday Theatre shares these action steps you can take to stand with institutions of color:
- Use your social media and online platforms to underscore your support of justice for the African American community and cultural institutions now and moving forward;
- Advocate to your funders and elected officials your stand for equitable funding for institutions of color;
- Create a radically welcoming space for not just select Black artists and works, but for all Black audiences beyond MLK Weekend and African American Heritage Month;
- Visit our communities and institutions. Invest in our small businesses. Attend our events;
- and, Be the person who doesn’t look like the majority of people in a space and experience the power of that perspective.
There are many ways to take action. Members of our staff and board have made donations to the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League.
For the broader issue of racial justice, you may find the following organizations and resources useful:
Black Lives Matter
Equal Justice Initiative
Racial Equity Tools’ Book and Film Lists