Micah performed two spoken-word poems at the 2019 launch party for SKEW Magazine’s inaugural print edition. This year, in order to comply with public health guidelines and restrictions on in-person gatherings, Level Ground brought the launch party f… — Micah performed two spoken-word poems at the 2019 launch party for *SKEW* Magazine’s inaugural print edition. This year, in order to comply with public health guidelines and restrictions on in-person gatherings, Level Ground brought the launch party for *SKEW*’s second issue online, along with a host of other events.

Level Ground board member Micah Bournes is a poet and musician based in Long Beach.

I've had the honor of serving on the board of Level Ground for the past several years. I’m always encouraged when I get to witness and contribute to the evolution of this organization.

This year, Level Ground has shown an inspiring amount of sensitivity to the particular needs of the current historical moment. Though our core value—to inspire empathy across cultural and ideological boundaries through the transformative power of art—remains at the center of what we do, the Level Ground team has shifted the emphasis and methods of that work in order to address our nation's most pressing concerns.

2020 reminded us all that the fight for Black dignity and equality remains of utmost importance in our nation and throughout the world. As a Black American, Level Ground’s work this year to highlight the voices of Black artists and activists in several key programming areas is particularly meaningful to me.

Furthermore, within the curious context of this COVID-19 pandemic, which brought about many necessary restrictions on physical gatherings and events, Level Ground’s staff and artistic community did not grow discouraged. Without hesitation, the organization pivoted, utilizing social media and technology in new ways to continue engaging and building community.

I have no doubt that as Level Ground remains faithful with its resources and platform, this organization will continue to serve and lead by inviting people to the intersections of art and justice; by encouraging curiosity instead of fear and listening instead of assumption or judgement; and by gathering a fractured society around beauty, knowing the power of art to challenge, heal, and provide a level ground where marginalized people can speak, rage, love, and engage as equals.

Thank you for your past support of the inspiring and dedicated Level Ground staff, artists, and community. Please consider making a year-end donation of $40, or whatever amount your finances allow, to help us keep going in 2021 and beyond.

Micah Bournes
Level Ground Board of Directors
Poet and Musician, Long Beach, CA

Help us remain faithful to our mission in 2021 by making a gift to our end-of-year campaign