November 15th 2023.
ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence is an organization that amplifies the voices of young theater makers who have experienced gun violence in their communities first-hand. As NPR reports, these passionate voices are now being heard all over the United States.
Black children and teens are disproportionately affected by gun-related deaths, a consequence of decades of policy decisions that created segregated neighborhoods and underinvested in their communities. When a friend or family member is killed, when someone they know is injured, or when they witness or hear gunshots, the impact is devastating.
That's why Michael Cotey created Enough! in 2019 with a clear mission: to create art from the devastating impact of gun violence and harness this generation's spirit of activism.
Six teens were selected as finalists for a nationwide playwriting contest and were given the opportunity to stage their award-winning 10-minute plays in theaters across the country. In addition to a stipend, they were also offered production, publishing, and workshop opportunities.
The 2023 ENOUGH! Nationwide Reading was produced in Washington D.C. at The Kennedy Center's Studio K! On November 6th, the curtains opened to reveal five Black playwrights who have been inspiring meaningful action to end gun violence over the past two years.
Virginia native Niarra C. Bell is passionate about performing arts and has been using her experience in acting, directing, and backstage technical work to help the movement against gun violence. “When tragic situations happen between African Americans and the police, we’re quick to villainize police officers,” Bell told NPR. “So I really wanted to write a play not only from the perspective of an African American but also someone who respects our police force.”
Justin Cameron Washington, a Michigan native and writer, tells stories that “address a lack of representation.” He has published a piece titled “Please Don’t Mind My Mind” which brought attention to mental health issues among the youth community. He also creates masterpieces such as “JUScreatedbycam” to act as a “somewhat blank canvas for his creations while in high school.”
McKennzie Boyd lives in South Side Chicago, where gun and gang violence has been notorious for devastating families. “As a Black person, I want to explain that my melanin is not a weapon and to remove the stigma in the Black community,” she said. Boyd has been using her passion for poetry, acting, and playwriting to fight against gun violence.
Arianna Brumfield, from Jackson, Mississippi, was inspired to write her play after witnessing a community outcry. She wanted to shed light on violence in underfunded communities and law enforcement positions.
Taylor Lafayette, a playwright and poet from the Mississippi Delta, was moved to write her play after her 16-year-old brother was shot. She chose to focus on how gun violence affects families and is striving to see stricter gun laws put in place for purchasing guns.
ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence is an invaluable platform that gives passionate young theatre makers the opportunity to have their voices heard and make a difference. We are proud to witness the meaningful action these artists are taking to fight gun violence.
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