Luna Lounge: an artistic outlet for social violence

By: Nia Brown

November 5, 2016

COLLEGE PARK, Md. We can never obtain peace in the outer world
until we make peace within ourselves, Lhama Donrub, best known by
his official title as the 14th Dalai Lama, once said.
However, his words do not address the problems
hindering peace. How do we, as individuals or
as a community, obtain peace when violence
is all around us?

Luna Lounge Flyer

Over the course of the last year there has

been a rise in social, economic and cultural
violence across the country. The trauma of
this violence has evoked a deep pain and
suffering that many Americans have been
unable to process.
In response to this, the Upsilon Chapter of
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority,
Incorporated and co-sponsors created Luna Lounge.
The program was designed to be a safe space of expression, reflection
and healing from the violence that we all witness, according to
program coordinator, Ashley Vasquez, a junior government and politics
and sociology double major from the Kappa Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
The event was held Friday, Nov. 4 in the Baltimore room of the Adele H.
Stamp Student Union. Co-sponsors included the Kappa Phi Chapter of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Alpha Delta alumni chapter of
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., Lambda Theta Phi Latin
Fraternity and the spoken word organization TOTUS.
Art has often been an outlet for expression and a bridge across a
number of cultural, social and economic barriers, according to Jessica
De Moyne, an event facilitator and sister of Lambda Theta Alpha. For
this reason, art was chosen as the outlet for this particular event as
well.

--MORE-Performers and participants alike agreed that art seemed like the
perfect format to express these issues.
I wasnt sure how to express how I felt
about [violence against minority
communities], but Im an artist so I turned to
my work, said UMD alumna Janae Edley.
Performers presented their talents and
experiences with violence through song,
dance and spoken word on the stage. At the
end of each performance, time was reserved
for the audience to mingle with each other
and view the various forms of artwork
displayed around the room.
My favorite part of the event was the variety
of performances and displays, said Jasmyne
McDuffie, sophomore biochemistry and
anthropology double major. Seeing peoples talents and their different
abilities really fascinates me. I also liked the different explanations
behind everybodys pieces and performances.
Artist Janae Edley with drawing
Conscious
Photo by Nia Brown

Luna Lounge focused on art as an outlet for

the challenges that individuals, communities
and societies face with violence. However, it is not the only outlet for
these emotions.
Since I am not a very artistic person, I often times find myself
writing, said McDuffie. Whenever there are things I need to get off
my chest, I write on a piece of paper and I put it in a shoebox.
Writing, reading, music and meditation can be powerful forms of
release for individuals.
Other ways communities can work to heal and promote peace are
fundraiser walks, forums, benefit concerts and panel discussions with
leaders and politicians within the community, said Imani Yorker,
sophomore sociology and communication double major.
The sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha hope to continue this event on an
annual basis. However, the community would benefit from having more

events like this. Healing is an ongoing process and it calls for ongoing
participation.
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