Marquette University to cohost social justice summit with NŌ STUDIOS

Nov. 11, 2019

NO STUDIOS LogoMILWAUKEE — Marquette University will cohost “Art Activated,” the inaugural social justice summit from NŌ STUDIOS, Nov. 15-16, with the second day of the event taking place at the Alumni Memorial Union, 1442 W. Wisconsin Ave.

The summit will feature a variety of activists, artists, authors and academics converging to discuss the lived experience of disenfranchisement and offer solutions to some of the most pressing social justice issues affecting us locally, nationally and internationally.

“Social justice is at the heart of our university’s Catholic, Jesuit mission,” said Marquette President Michael R. Lovell. “In partnering with NŌ STUDIOS for this event, Marquette is better connecting with our community and helping give voice to people to tell their stories about social issues and change.”

Focused on “The Lived Experience of Disenfranchisement,” Saturday’s sessions will explore criminal justice reform, human trafficking, fair housing and art as a change agent. Notable speakers and participants include actors and activists Freida Pinto and Richard Cabral; Frank Almond, concertmaster of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra; Chrishaunda Lee Perez, author, producer and television host; Nancy Yarbrough, founder and executive director of Fresh Start Learning in Milwaukee; activist, poet and professor Peggy Rozga; and professors Michael Dinwiddie, Millery Polyne and Kristin Holton from NYU’s Gallatin School.

“My interest in creating the Social Justice Summit is to help people build networks and encourage ongoing conversations between artists and activists, as I believe this is one of the most effective ways to influence social change,” said John Ridley, Oscar-winning filmmaker and founder of NŌ STUDIOS.  “Art and activism are far more powerful in combination, when working toward a common goal, than when they operate separately.”

Registration for Art Activated is open to the public. Registration is required to attend all events. More information, including a complete schedule, is available on the NŌ STUDIOS website.

Ridley, who won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for 12 Years a Slave, founded NŌ STUDIOS with Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele as a hub for the creative arts in Milwaukee, designed to provide a social space dedicated to the creation, curation and presentation of art. NŌ STUDIOS offers long-term and short-term office space for local individuals, organizations and companies in creative fields, and is home to a curated group of tenants including Milwaukee Film, Milwaukee Filmmaker Alliance, 371 Productions, Custom Reality Services, UW – Milwaukee Department of Film, Marquette University, Independent, Media Circus International, Gener8tor, Imagine MKE and Duncan Entertainment.

About Kevin Conway

Kevin Conway

Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of University Relations. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.