Fight for Our Lives was a performance series advocating for communities targeted by divisive politics and systemic oppression. By showcasing local artists, writers, and performers, the series also benefited mission-driven nonprofit organizations. The goal was to connect nonprofit opportunities to audiences and artists across the Puget Sound area. Fight for Our Lives was grassroots-led by writers Ruth Joffre and D.A. Navoti and ran until January 20, 2021—Inauguration Day.
Out & Proud
January 2020 - The Seattle community rallied in support for trans & queer people. Our debut event raised over $900 for LGBTQ+ organizations Lambert House and Ingersoll Gender Center.
Immuno-compromised
Artists
April-May 2020: Fight For Our Lives highlighted poets with immunocompromised conditions as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded.
Black Lives Matter
July 2020 - Fight For Our Lives is proud to advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement. The event featured Katrina Otuonye, Nia Dickens, Kamari Bright, Ebo Barton, and youth speaker Jaliyah Putney of Rainier Scholars. Our nonprofit beneficiaries were TransWomen of Color Collective, Rainier Scholars, and Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County.
August 2020 - The second event featured poets Jalayna Carter, Luther Hughes, Natasha Marin, and M'Bilia Meekers. Our nonprofit beneficiaries were Creative Justice, King County Equity Now, and Black Lives Matter-Seattle-King County.
Community Conversations
October 2020 - Fight For Our Lives returned in solidarity of worker rights. Our event was hosted by writer and union organizer Alex Gallo-Brown. Readers included J.M. Wong, Dujie Tahat, Gina Myers, and Paul Hlava Cabello. Our event benefited Unite Here's Relief Fund, The National Domestic Workers Alliance, Leaders of the Washington State League of United Latin American Citizens, and Firelands | Workers United.
October 2020 - Hosted by Fight for Our Lives co-founder Ruth Joffre, we're thankful to writers Laura Da', Frances Lee, Juan Carlos Reyes, Kristen Millares Young, and political activist Sherae Lascelles for an incredible community conversation.
Celebrating Diversity & Anti-Racism
January 2021 - Fight For Our Lives concluded its year-long run with the theme Celebrating Diversity & Anti-Racism. This event benefited anti-racist work at Solid Ground and NW Immigrant Rights Project, and featured Lena Khalaf Tuffaha, Rob Arnold, Ever Jones, Cassidy Dyce, and Ramón Isao.