We had the good fortune of connecting with Traci carr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Traci, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?

The goal of the show is to create awareness and discuss hard topics in a more digestible way. The more we discuss these topics through different lenses we can find innovative and better ways to discuss solutions to these problems without depending on reactions to unfortunate tragedies that spark actions and instead work in preventative measures. Having these conversations between organizers, artists and creatives would allow us to use a popular form of art — in this case comic books and related media — as a medium of communication, escapism and change. The origins and mythologies of characters central to geek culture have always highlighted foundational flaws and struggles in the real world. Whether it’s the X-Men fighting on behalf of their own marginalized community, the resilience of Captain America or Luke Skywalker in the face of a facist regime or just the drive to adhere to a moral compass like Superman. It’s natural to pour our ideals into this medium- this is what it was made for.

Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?

The biggest risk is still being involved with the movement and putting ourselves out there in the street once it’s not trendy or popular anymore. The dangers are obvious: arrest, violence from the state or white supremacists and the long-term problems associated with having a criminal record. I’ve been in some scary situations with people I love, but we knew the risks and did our best to support one another. However, we need this amount of support to constantly grow. We have to constantly remind ourselves this is a movement, not a moment, because unfortunately the fire has calmed but we haven’t moved the needle much. To keep things going, we need to attack the issues in a way that translates to the masses that shows they are still needed in this fight and not to despair. I know we’ve been beaten down from so much these past two years, but I know as a collective we can do and learn so much more. I’m a firm believer that conversation can shift the landscape and put that fire back in the belly for substantial change.

What is the most important factor behind your success/ the success of your brand?

The people. One of my favorite quotes is from Audre Lorde, self described Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet. “I see protest as a genuine means of encouraging someone to feel the inconsistencies, the horror, of the lives we are living. Social protest is to say that we do not have to live this way. If we feel deeply, as we encourage ourselves and others to feel deeply, we will, within that feeling, once we recognize we can feel deeply, we can love deeply, we can feel joy, then we will demand that all parts of our lives produce that kind of joy. And when they do not, we will ask, “Why don’t they?” And it is the asking that will lead us inevitably toward change.”

The driving force behind the show is the love and strength of community- the people. As mentioned before, you can see the fire in the belly of people who want substantial change. Seeing through so much bullshit. And as I view this work it’s all about perspective and how many different areas people are willing to work and put themselves out there. One large pie, and however you slice it, you have various avenues of change and progress. Folks are feeling this world change for better or worse. Those who are willing to fight- should be celebrated, nourished and cherished. This creates belonging and lasting love in the movement, as Audre said leads people to “feel deeply” about what we can imagine and embody.  I’m always so incredibly inspired by marginalized groups: Black people, Brown people and the LGBTQA+ community. At the end of the day, we can’t forget that this is a fight for our survival, meaning it’s a long fight. We need to persevere, but we also need to be aware we need to rest. That’s a true sign of being in this for the long haul. For over a decade now, we’ve been captivated by the strengths of our heroes on screen and it’s about time we shed a light to those who have been heroes of yesterday and today, show up for them in this unique way to keep their work in mind of today. Let’s geek out on Audre, Marsha, bell, Fred, James.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m excited to see the impact of the show. I’m hoping to see people back in the streets, more organized and to help elevate a new language for how we talk about our world’s toughest issues. We have an opportunity to keep the discussion going through the lens of nerd culture – this thing that has brought hope, creativity and passion to multiple generations of fans and activists.

I’ve learned a lot from events I’ve organized- past and present. I found a true passion in building community and learning what truly makes an impact on how we feel and want to express our pain but also our joy and love. Within organizing work you realize it’s all about expression and how we communicate with each other. Every time an event with a marginalized community comes together it creates of story of awareness in the world, especially what’s happening to them and these stories have life and imagination- that’s really powerful expression. In the past I organized Black Women Periodt, which amplified voices of Black women and genderqueer folks with speeches and performances. I also had a hand in organizing the release of a political prisoner- which still blows me away. I’ve helped some incredible folks in the trans community create a beautiful space of joy that will take place in the upcoming weeks. I couldn’t be happier to lend even a small part to this day! And that’s the heart of the show. Let’s remind communities they’re not alone.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Say Their Names LA. The amount of hard work, effort and support this organization does for impacted families in Los Angeles is incredibly inspiring.

Instagram: crazycarr77

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FbIYAQeRzQ

Image Credits
The Youtube Link Trailer: Creator/ Host: Traci Carr Producer: Veronica Warner Guest Stars: Adam Egypt Mortimer, Jonathon Cahill, Michael Hopson, Veronica Warner Pics: Photographer IG: Personal: G0_With_Ryan Photographer IG: Professional: ryan.thomasphotography

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