Ghostlight Project: Columbia, South Carolina

As Donald J. Trump and his merry band of maladroit miscreants creep ever closer to the White House, resistance around the country continues to rise. Across each time zone, theater companies and groups of all sizes showed solidarity with one another, as well as support for the arts and marginalized citizens everywhere, by lighting a "ghostlight" to guide the way through the potentially impending darkness of the next presidential term. According to its website, the mission of the Ghostlight Project was "to make, or renew, a pledge to stand for and protect the values of inclusion, participation, and compassion for everyone regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, age, gender identity, or sexual orientation." Each group met at 5:30pm in their respective cities and time zones.

Artists, activists and allies, including Justice 360, gathered at Trustus Theatre in Columbia, South Carolina to light up the evening, share uplifting words and music, celebrate art and individuality, and, above all, show support for all vulnerable communities. The event was even more timely, as reports of the incoming administration's plans to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities began circulating earlier today. Artists of all mediums have an innate and unparalleled way of bringing people together through emotional exploration and realization of their artwork, which helps build a strong sense of community for those who create it, as well as those who enjoy it. By the same token, art has always been a powerful tool of expression and communication, both of which are dangerous in the hands of the people to those at the apex of the oligarchy, so this is not a surprising development in the least.

Unfortunately, there are still people whose voices are getting lost in the noise. It is our responsibility to help amplify them so they can be heard. Many continue to fear they are being left behind, and they are genuinely afraid of what that means for their families and themselves. Fear leads to anger, which breeds hatred and contempt, and that can only bring destruction. We cannot allow ourselves to be controlled by fearmongers. Knowledge brings about understanding, which is the cure for fear. For this reason, education must be our first line of defense. Through the next presidential term; however long it may be, and whatever comes after, we must light the way for anyone who feels left behind, and illuminate what hides in the darkness, threatening to envelope us all in its murky agenda. We must not allow ourselves to be divided and conquered by the powers that be, as there is strength in numbers. Together we will find our way out of the darkness.

If you are ready to get involved now and you live in South Carolina, please come to Music Farm in Columbia (1022 Senate St.) at 10am on Saturday (1/21/17) for a rally and strategy summit. (You can learn more here.) You matter, your voice counts, and we need your help now more than ever before.

Don't live in South Carolina? Don't worry! There are plenty of rallies and marches happening everywhere! Here is one list, but you can probably find more. Please consult Google for more.