Issa Rae fans had anticipated a fabulous evening at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on March 16, watching comedic genius Issa Rae perform An Evening with Issa Rae, a one-night-only event. But the recent announcement that the sitting U.S. president had been unanimously voted chairman of the historically non-partisan arts venue prompted the multifaceted artist to cancel her show.
On her Instagram stories, the Insecure creator announced, “Unfortunately, due to what I believe to be an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums, I’ve decided to cancel my appearance at this venue.” She went on to say, “All tickets will be refunded. Thank you so much for understanding and I hope to see you soon.”
She’s not the only person of color exiting the venue. Mega-producer Shonda Rhimes has resigned from the board. On her Instagram, Rhimes shared a quote from former President John F. Kennedy: “If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.”
Donald Trump forced out the long-term Kennedy Center president, Deborah Rutter, and fired 18 members of the board of trustees, replacing them with a largely white majority of Trump loyalists. He said that going forward, “it’s not going to be woke.”
Over the last decade (or longer), the term “woke” has been taken out of context. Now, it is a co-opted buzzword used by some conservatives as a catch-all for progressive values, often attached with negative connotations.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts website states it is “a true ‘artistic mecca,’ and one of the world’s most respected organizations.” But how can it be one if its sitting board all share the same views, one that has no space for diversity, inclusion and innovation?
Take note as stars of all races and nationalities cancel performances and flee the venue. Our past shows that change is made through how we direct our dollars. Our community can choose who we see and where we see our shows. Now is the time to support small group theater, those who will continue to tell diverse, global stories—possibly without the support of federal funding.
Art will live on.
