I sent this email to a old high school /college friend last week. As sort of a call for change and for a group of "us" to make a stand against something that goes on under the surface of our creative community here in Jacksonville! I thought I should post it. I also omitted my friends name to protect his identity, but yall should get the message, "a voice heard is a problem lessoned". And I realize I shouldn't quite mine.
"It was great chatting with you recently. I really wish you would make a stand with me. I realize that a handful of select creatives here in Jax. that have endured such inhumane treatment as I have. We need our voice heard , the creative community and the wider community suffers as a result of a select few that takes and suppresses. Our brightest get ousted, abused, stolen from, and some much worse. When all we try and do is give back and contribute to this community while the abusers prosper and the system that houses them. WE need to say no more! to trapping! Dogging! and the pimping of sorts were not whores! We are the breath and pulse of this city. Were societies conscious , we ( the artist/ creatives) innovate and push change and progress. You said" It's nothing we can do here to change things here!" I strongly disagree! Gericho started the French revolution with one painting. We change things. We have to make a united stance. At one point I realized you cared about the art community. That old you is still here. Dont let the system here make you callous. They try to do me the same way. But I refuse to let change my spirit or push me in system that ultimately destroys and divides instead of unifies. We shouldn't let that group bully us and chalk it to growing pains. I've lived and prospered in cities that have thriving international art communities. Like New York City and Charleston it seems just to be backwards, red and black "right" Jacksonville. And we shouldn't compromise our morals values either. it isn't us that has it wrong its the system here. Remember "us" the artist were the heart! Were usually correct we should trust our initial instincts. But we must come together and make a stand! what I've endured here and what others also have endured shouldn't be allowed to take place and happen period. Remember we ( the artist) Ultimately we have the power to change things for the better. And with me this email is step ONE. I would love to have you be apart of this journey with me."
Just Me,
the truth
Gary Grier
