Meet Lorinda Hawkins Smith | Choir and Program Instructor / Artivist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lorinda Hawkins Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lorinda Hawkins, what matters most to you?
Humility matters most to me. Humility listens more than it speaks. Humility doesn’t force its own way. And I’m convinced that we wouldn’t have half as many of the problems that we have if more of us would see humility as a strength instead of a weakness.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an artivist. I enjoy combining activism and art. It brings me joy to see beauty come from ashes. Whether it be the performing, literary, or cinematic arts; I embrace the challenge of telling a difficult story in an unexpected fashion. I appreciate my ability to find humor in the most unlikeliest of places. My sense of humor and faith are what have been able to sustain me through some extremely dark times. As someone who was formerly houseless, I know the importance of community. Having the support of a church community trusting me in areas of leadership, helped me to not be overtaken by the many challenges I had to endure. Having the support of an arts community, helped me to understand the healing power of expression. The activist community helped to undergird my purpose and belief that the sharing of my story and voice could help others. Along the way I have learned that everyone’s voice is important. It’s important to listen even when you think you already have the answers. Another lesson I learned is the importance of serving before you lead. Serving others requires humility. But serving without listening is futile. Ubuntu – “I am because we are.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Huntington Gardens Descanso Gardens
The Arboretum
Check out a play at the Actor’s Co-op in Hollywood.
The Skid Row Museum and Archive
Porto’s Bakery
Urth Caffe
The trails by JPL
Griffith Park Observatory
California African American Museum: CAAM
Biddy Mason Pocket Park
Japanese American National Museum
Los Angeles Theatre Center (LATC)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my Shoutout to Urban Voices Project. Other groups and organizations that should be recognized, are all of the arts organizations in the Skid Row area. Arts organizations such as Los Angeles Poverty Department (LAPD), Studio 526, Dramastage Qumran, Urban Possibilities, Company of Angels and Cornerstone Theater Company helped shape my story. Another organization that deserves credit for my activism side is Peace Over Violence.

Website: https://lorindahawkinssmith.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorindahawk_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorinda-hawkins-smith-7125203b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorindahawkinssmith/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LorindaHawkinsSmith