BUILD Baltimore: Art + Organizing

How can art be a tool for community organizing and action? 

For the past 5 years, I worked closely with an organization called BUILD (Baltimoreans United In Leadership Development), a nonpartisan community organizing group in Baltimore City, fights for funding for Baltimore’s public schools and recreation centers. I collaborated with BUILD organizers and youth to create visuals for rallies and public actions addressing a variety of current issues including gang violence, racism and inequality of resources in schools. 

The “monopoly” money designed with students whose schools are in desperate need of repair but the City continues to give tax breaks to the wealthiest downtown developers. Parents, teachers and students march downtown with money in hand.