Luna Lounge: an artistic outlet for social violence

By: Nia Brown

November 5, 2016

COLLEGE PARK, Md. We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make
peace within ourselves, Lhama Donrub, best known by his official title as the 14th Dalai
Lama, once said.
However, his words do not address the problems hindering
peace. How do we, as individuals or as a community, obtain
peace when violence is all around us?

Luna Lounge Flyer

Over the course of the last year there has been a rise in
social, economic and cultural violence across the country.
The trauma of this violence has evoked a deep pain and
suffering that many Americans have been unable to
process.
In response to this, the Upsilon Chapter of Lambda Theta
Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated and co-sponsors
created Luna Lounge.
The program was designed to be a safe space of
expression, reflection and healing from the violence that we all witness, according to
program coordinator, Ashley Vasquez, a junior government and politics and sociology
double major from the Kappa Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
The event was held Friday, Nov. 4 in the Baltimore room of the Adele H. Stamp Student
Union. Co-sponsors included the Kappa Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.,
the Alpha Delta alumni chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., Lambda
Theta Phi Latin Fraternity and the spoken word organization TOTUS.
Art has often been an outlet for expression and a bridge across a number of cultural,
social and economic barriers, according to Jessica De Moyne, an event facilitator and
sister of Lambda Theta Alpha. For this reason, art was chosen as the outlet for this
particular event as well.
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Performers and participants alike agreed that art seemed like the perfect format to express
these issues.
I wasnt sure how to express how I felt about [violence against minority communities],
but Im an artist so I turned to my work, said UMD
alumna Janae Edley.
Performers presented their talents and experiences with
violence through song, dance and spoken word on the
stage. At the end of each performance, time was reserved
for the audience to mingle with each other and view the
various forms of artwork displayed around the room.
My favorite part of the event was the variety of
performances and displays, said Jasmyne McDuffie,
sophomore biochemistry and anthropology double major.
Seeing peoples talents and their different abilities really
fascinates me. I also liked the different explanations
behind everybodys pieces and performances.
Artist Janae Edley with drawing
Conscious
Photo by Nia Brown

Luna Lounge focused on art as an outlet for the

challenges that individuals, communities and societies
face with violence. However, it is not the only outlet for
these emotions.

Since I am not a very artistic person, I often times find myself writing, said McDuffie.
Whenever there are things I need to get off my chest, I write on a piece of paper and I
put it in a shoebox.
Writing, reading, music and meditation can be powerful forms of release for individuals.
Other ways communities can work to heal and promote peace are fundraiser walks,
forums, benefit concerts and panel discussions with leaders and politicians within the
community, said Imani Yorker, sophomore sociology and communication double major.
The sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha hope to continue this event on an annual basis.
However, the community would benefit from having more events like this. Healing is an
ongoing process and it calls for ongoing participation.
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