Miami's Cultural Tapestry Needs You: Take Action Today

Subject: Miami's Cultural Tapestry Needs You: Take Action Today

Africa + Kinship = AfriKin

Miami's Cultural Tapestry Needs You: Take Action Today!!!

"Being an artist is a way of being in the world. You can't make that go away." ~ Kerry James Marshall

Dear Arts Supporter,

The arts are the heartbeat of our community, but right now, they face a critical challenge. The Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs is facing significant budget cuts that threaten the vitality of numerous arts organizations, including those that elevate and celebrate the African diaspora through AfriKin Foundation.

We proudly declare: We Are AfriKin. Now, more than ever, we need to embody this statement and take action. The final vote on this budget will take place this Thursday, and Miami needs your voice.

You are the driving force of culture in our city. Your support and engagement can shape the Miami we want to see—a vibrant, diverse, and thriving cultural hub. Every action counts, every voice matters.

"An artist's duty, as far as I'm concerned, is to reflect the times." ~ Nina Simone

Here’s How You Can Help Restore Arts Funding:

1. Attend and Speak at the Budget Hearing

Date: Thursday, September 19th at 5:00 PM

Location: Miami-Dade County Commission Chamber: 111 NW 1st St, Miami, FL, 33132

Action: Arrive by 3 PM to sign up and prepare a 1-2 minute statement. Bring a friend, a student, or a supporter—especially children, as their voices resonate powerfully.

2. Email the Mayor and Your Commissioner Now
Urge them to restore the $2.479 million to the arts budget.

Contact Mayor Daniella Levine Cava: Mayor@miamidade.gov

Find your Commissioner: Miami-Dade County Commissioners

Use the template below to personalize your message. Highlight the economic and cultural importance of the arts in Miami. Remember to thank them for their previous support and emphasize the need for continued investment in our cultural future.

3. Forward and Share This Message
Spread the word to your network. Let’s amplify this call to action through our community channels, ensuring our collective voice is heard.

ADVOCACY TEMPLATE (COPY, PERSONALIZE, PASTE, SEND)

Subject: Save the Arts, Invest in Miami!

Dear [elected official],

RESTORE THE $2.479 MILLION TO THE ARTS BUDGET! Do not cut the arts grants from the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs' FY 2024-2025 Budget!

(TELL YOUR PERSONAL STORY HERE)

The arts and culture in Miami-Dade County are vital to our community, economy, education, and tourism. The arts mean business! Here are the economic impact facts: Economic Impact.

These proposed budget cuts will have a devastating impact on Miami-Dade's cultural organizations and artists, especially during a time when the arts community is grappling with inflation, the lingering effects of the pandemic, and a lack of affordable spaces for creation. If enacted, these cuts would directly affect services to children, youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. Many arts groups and artist collectives are small businesses that need your support. The arts invigorate our neighborhoods, attract tourists, and stimulate the economy through direct and audience spending.

The arts generate $2.1 billion in economic impact every year and support 32,000 jobs annually. Every $1 the County invests in not-for-profit arts groups leverages $39 for our community from other private and public sources.

Please restore the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs' grants budget!

"This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear." ~ Toni Morrison

Thank you for your past support of the arts. We hope we can continue to count on you!

We are immensely grateful for the organizations like Arts for Learning and Armour Dance Theatre who have provided resources for community action. Thank you for standing with us to ensure that Miami remains a thriving center for art, inspiration, pride, and community.

Together, we can preserve and uplift the cultural heartbeat of Miami.

"I don't think about art when I'm working. I try to think about life." ~ Jean-Michel Basquiat

With gratitude,

Alfonso Brooks
Founder, AfriKin Foundation

RSVP

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-afrikin-foundation?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

Dear Sponsors and Investors,

We hope this message finds you well and in good spirits.

On behalf of the AfriKin Foundation, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support and unwavering commitment to our mission. Your contributions have been instrumental in driving our initiatives and enabling us to make a significant impact both locally and globally. It is with profound appreciation that we acknowledge your role in helping us champion the cause of cultural enrichment, artistic expression, and community development.

The work we do at the AfriKin Foundation goes beyond organizing art fairs and cultural events; it is about fostering a sense of unity, preserving cultural heritage, and empowering communities. Your funding has allowed us to support emerging artists, provide educational programs, and create platforms for underrepresented voices. These efforts have not only enriched our local community but have also resonated globally, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of African art and culture.

As we look ahead, the importance of your continued support cannot be overstated. The funds we receive are the lifeblood of our organization, enabling us to:

Expand Educational Programs: Our workshops, lectures, and mentorship programs are vital in nurturing the next generation of artists and cultural leaders. Your support ensures that these programs remain accessible and impactful.
Support Emerging Artists: By providing resources, exhibition opportunities, and financial assistance, we help artists realize their potential and share their work with a broader audience. This not only benefits the artists but also enriches the cultural fabric of our community.
Promote Cultural Heritage: Through our events and initiatives, we celebrate and preserve the rich cultural traditions of Africa and the diaspora. This is crucial in fostering a sense of identity and pride within our community and beyond.
Advocate for Social Change: Art is a powerful tool for social commentary and change. Your funding allows us to create platforms that address critical issues such as climate change, social justice, and economic empowerment, driving positive change both locally and globally.

We depend on the generosity of sponsors and investors like you to continue this important work. Your contributions are not just financial; they are a testament to your belief in our mission and a commitment to making a difference. As we prepare for the upcoming AfriKin Art Fair and other future initiatives, we invite you to continue this journey with us. Your ongoing support will ensure that we can sustain and expand our efforts, reaching more people and creating a lasting impact.

Thank you once again for your invaluable support. Together, we are building a brighter future, one that honors our heritage, celebrates our present, and inspires our future. We look forward to your continued partnership and to achieving even greater heights together.

With deepest gratitude,

Alfonso Brooks
Founder, AfriKin Foundation

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE INFO@AFRIKIN.ORG

The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, AfriKin creates cultural connections through masterful artistry and meaningful conversations. The term AfriKin is the fusion of two words -- Africa and kinship. AfriKin sustains cultural programming designed to highlight the role of art and culture in human development and enrichment in South Florida. AfriKin exists as an effort to create opportunities for positive transformation through thought and action sustained by academic articulations, and aesthetic imaginations for the development of cultural industries. AfriKin emphasizes cultural connection and kinship across ethnic lines. It focuses on engagement and quality of care, championing the Black world's image to allow more strategic partnerships.

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If you'd like to support AfriKin Foundation by making a contribution, click the donate button below.

DONATE HERE

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

~ MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

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