(A)LIVE x Sudie Williams

(A)LIVE, a hub-based poetry and performance program, is a transformative out-of-school-time initiative for opportunity youth grades 4-12. Emphasizing cultural relevancy as a catalyst to youth engagement, (A)LIVE integrates a heavy music component into the program that allows youth to turn their poetry into Hip-Hop. SEL concepts are infused into the curriculum in addition to the classroom by encouraging youth to write and practice responsible decision-making, self-regulation, empathy, and relationship-building alongside their peers. In collaboration with entities like Dallas ISD and the Dallas County Juvenile Department, (A)LIVE converts empty classrooms into literary science labs- providing a safe space for youth to explore their words and self. An alternative to typical literary arts education, (A)LIVE effectively and discreetly equips marginalized youth with the skills and tools they need to perform on stage and in the classroom.