February 18th | 6 - 7:30 pm
Tom Tom Foundation, 100 W. South St.
How can the arts, festivals, and public events reflect the diversity of the region while providing access and a sense of belonging for all? In this important conversation, we will dive into what "inclusive culture" means in a community setting and how it shapes the lived experience of residents. This talk aims to spark a deeper dialogue about the power of cultural events in creating connected, diverse spaces.
Our speakers—two passionate advocates and leaders of Charlottesville's cultural initiatives—will share their personal experiences and insights on their involvement in projects that are making a difference in Charlottesville today. The conversation will also explore ways that Charlottesville and Albemarle County can build even more inclusivity in their cultural programming.
Tickets are donation based. Please pay what you can to support the series.
FACILITATORS
Martize Tolbert is the National Director of Client and Community Engagement for the Fountain Fund, bringing resources to formerly incarcerated individuals. Martize is active in the community, serving on the steering committee of the Albemarle-Charlottesville Reentry Council and the advisory board of Network2Work. Through Redemption Mentoring Services, he mentors at-risk kids in Charlottesville and surrounding counties. Martize also volunteers at his church (Mt. Zion) and participates in multiple local youth organizations, such as Peace in the Streets, which he co-founded in 2020.
Javier Rosas Vidal is an artist, dancer, community organizer, entrepreneur, instructor, MC, and DJ. He is also one of the founders of Foreign Playerz, a brand that follows the new waves while keeping in touch with the roots of the cultures it includes in their dynamic events. Foreign Playerz programs mostly focus on Latin dance and spreading the Latin dance social culture through their inclusive and educational dance events.
As an immigrant kid, coming from very humble beginnings, social stressors and influences steered him into some trouble and tough lessons in life. He found Latin dance as an escape from a life with no good ends. As he himself described it “Latin dance saved my life”. Becoming a part of the Charlottesville Latin dance community and a leader in social dance events, his engagement with people from all walks of life positioned him in the heart of the local Latin dance community, giving him the chance to start his own Latin dance movement. Now with his childhood dream achieved in becoming a community organizer, his mission is to create an inclusive safe space and create events to reach as many hearts as possible. He is building a team of people with plans to leave an impactful mark in the people's minds and hearts as the mission goes on.
Paul Beyer is the founder of the Tom Tom Foundation and Tom Tom Festival, and in his role as executive director, is responsible for its strategic vision and community partnerships. Beyond Tom Tom, Paul works on a variety of gatherings and events ranging from festivals, dance parties, dinner series, meditations, men's groups, conferences, seminars, and concerts.
CO-HOSTS
The Fountain Fund program model provides low-interest loans and financial coaching to formerly incarcerated people, helping them build credit and achieve their self-determined goals. The Fountain Fund also advocates for public policy that increases economic opportunities and reduces obstacles for formerly incarcerated people.
Foreign Playerz is a dynamic and vibrant organization that specializes in creating social dance events for Latin dances such as bachata, salsa, zouk, Cumbia, merengue, and many other types of Latin dance. Founded by passionate dancers, Foreign Playerz aims to promote the love and appreciation of Latin dance and culture by providing a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and skill levels. Founded with the goal of bringing people together through the power of dance, Foreign Playerz has quickly established itself as a leader in the local Latin dance scene. We believe that social dancing is a universal language that transcends cultural barriers and brings people together.
ABOUT THE SERIES
The Tomorrow Talks are a year-long series that picks up critical themes from our April Festival and continues the conversations to create impact in Charlottesville. Each session is facilitated with an emphasis on participation, connection, and new collaborations.
Tomorrow Talks begin with a connection exercise or meditation, and proceed into a presentation and breakout activities. They aim to impart knowledge that is practical and relevant to people's lived experience; combining academic or theoretical insights, alongside pragmatic tools, and experiential and somatic learnings.
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