UBU Mission: To end youth suicide, addiction & bullying through arts integration
contact us: info@ubuproject.org
Social Justice: Celebrating Our DIFFERENCES and SIMILARITIES
Exploring Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Through the Lens of The UBU Project Treasure Chest
The foundations of Social Justice rest in The UBU Treasure Chest of
HOPE / ESPERANZA
RESILIENCE / RESISTENCIA
SELF-COMPASSION / AUTO-COMPASSION
EMPATHY / EMPATIA
(Inspired by the lives and writings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez, Black Elk, Norman Mineta, Paul McCartney, Bob Marley and Dr. Seuss)
The performing arts have been an integral part of social activism for centuries. That is because social injustice, racism, homophobia, religious intolerance, gender-bias and cultural genocide have been part of our societies for centuries as well.
During the course of this engaging, interactive, student-led, UBU Arts Integration Residency your students will explore both historical and recent events in local, national, and global culture as regards to Social Injustice during these fragile and uncertain times.
As part of their process the students will also create original music and monologues/speeches to help them give voice to the struggles of their hearts in a hopeful, compassionate, and empathetic way. All skills will be taught as part of the process so no musical, writing or performing experience is necessary.
Contact The UBU Project and discover how you can use the arts to help your students and staff be part of the solution by learning to celebrate and embrace our cultural differences and similarities.
for details and additional information please contact us:
Social Justice and The UBU Mission
According to Current Statistical Research
- Teen suicide rates among black youth are increasing.
- Recently national data revealed that among children age 5-11, black children had the highest rate of death by suicide.
- Among African-American populations
- 1 million suffer with drug use
- 1.5 million suffer with alcohol abuse
- 320,000 suffer with a combination of alcohol and drug use
- Black and Hispanic youth who are bullied are more likely to suffer academically than their white peers.
- When bullying based on race or ethnicity is severe, pervasive, or persistent it may be considered harassment, which is covered under federal civil rights laws.
- Systemic Racism Is Systemic Bullying
- Bullying Is An Act of Violence
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services:
Bullying can affect physical and emotional health, both in the short term and later in life. It can lead to physical injury, social problems, emotional problems, and even death.
- Those who are bullied are at increased risk for mental health problems, headaches, and problems adjusting to school.
UBU Data Driven Information, Becoming Part of the Solution:
According to fact-based research; UBU Residency Students Experience a 31.17% increase in
- Hope
- Resilience
- Self-Compassion
- Empathy
UBU: Our experience with the Arts as Activism
David Simmons: Founder, Creative Director, Teaching Artist
An honors graduate of the University of Montana School of Music; David's diverse career as an educator, actor, writer, composer, performer, mental health advocate, and social justice activist has taken him to all 50 states, 14 countries and 3 continents. In addition to his professional training and experience David is a thriving survivor of his own suicide attempts, a recovering alcoholic with over 27 years sober and he was the fat kid who got bullied in school. He also lives with the managed mental health diagnoses of major depressive disorder recurrent, free-floating anxiety and PTSD. And, he is living his best life yet.
David grew up in a family of arts educators and pacifist/activists. His own work in engaging the arts and education as tools of activism includes;
- Mixed Blood Theater: Actor, Musician, Director, Playwright, Composer
- Cultural Diversity, Equity, Pluralism, LGBTQ/Gender Rights, Mental Health Equity
- Penumbra Theater/Minnesota Opera: Actor/Singer
- Racism/Violence Awareness in a predominantly Caucasian culture of white privilege
- SteppingStone Theater for Youth Development: Playwright, Composer, teaching Artist
- Cultural Diversity, Equity, Pluralism
- Peaceful Love Warriors: Community Event Planner/Organizer, Performer, Public Speaker
- Building Peaceful Communities, Cultural Diversity, Equity, Pluralism
- Fort Peck Council On The Arts: Education Director, Teaching Artist
- Indigenous Cultural Awareness, Civil Rights, Anti-Racism
- Arizona Broadway Theater: Education Director, Teaching Artist, Director, Music Director
- Actively casting and hiring BIPOC & LGBTQ+ artists in a predominantly Caucasian culture of white privilege
- The UBU Project: Creative Director, Curriculm Developer, Teaching Artist
- Mental Health Equity/Awareness, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
To learn more, please contact us directly at: info@ubuproject.org