Report Back: Allied Media Conference
Susan DiPronio
Allied Media Conference
Detroit, June 19-22, 2014
On the road:
We scatter our histories and hopes touching upon each other's lives. The cloudy skies can't dull our energy, spitting rain working like congratulatory confetti. We drive on. Our lives begin to intertwine.
“It will change your life” she says to me. The second time I've had that said to me within a few days.
A downpour comes, washes away any questioning thoughts and the Allegheny Mountains open for us travelers on the way to The 16th Allied Media Conference.
The Conference takes place in Detroit on the Wayne University campus. The city, having lost 25% of it's population in the past decade has been devastated by the loss of it's primary employer- the automobile industry, racial strife, mass exodus of whites and middle class blacks to the suburbs. It is a quiet city, almost post apocalyptic. Houses are cheap, can be purchased by the block, but employment, city services and utilities are scarce. Detroit declared bankruptcy last year in an attempt to clear debt and literally keep the streetlights on. The city is an effective backdrop for the conference which is a beacon of hope for those hoping to cure the ills of a society which has abandoned itself.
Facilitated by the Allied Media Project, it brings together activists, artists, body workers, and others offering thought provoking insight into social issues and constructs. With over 200 sessions, networks and caucuses, most filled to capacity, and 2000 attendees, the Allied Media Conference was transformative. For 4 days and nights I explored, participated, engaged in conversation about strategy for social change.Whether it's weaving together networks or opening new doors, the path was always constructive. The sessions I choose to participate in ran from body work, dismantling white supremacy, Trans porn filmmaking to time travel using the principles of quantum physics to community kitchens and documentary photography.
The dinner caucuses were particularly engaging. “Can Art Save A Community?”, The Peoples's Kitchen of Oakland, presenters Melonie and Melorra Green of Gallery 1307 with Saqib Keval, founder of PK. An open discussion and examination of the relevance of art's place fostering community and creating dialogue within disparate urban neighborhoods. “Get Involved: The Arts and Culture Social Justice Network” presented by The Leeway Foundation's Executive Director Denise Brown and Judi Jennings, Kentucky Fund for Women introduced us to the Network which strives to grow resources and connections for those working within the arts,culture and social justice field.
The intent of the various sessions at the Conference is to offer effective strategies for creating solutions to today's most pressing issues: To introduce attendees not only to solutions, but to others who are on the same journey. To give us the tools to pursue the vision of a just and equal world. The Allied Media Conference achieves this in full.
Yes, I am changed.
