Sumood: An Evening of Storytelling for Liberation

Join us for an evening of performance, culture, and community at Sumood: A Night of Storytelling for Liberation. This special gathering will take place at Astralab, a unique venue in Koreatown in the heart of Los Angeles, where diaspora wisdom, music, hospitality, and culture converge. Known for fostering community co-creation, Astralab serves as a hub for artistic and cultural exchange, including its popular Poetry Café sessions led by Christina Wilson and Yusuf Misdaq.

Experience transformative talks, a meditation and sound bath for peace, and the rich flavors of Lebanese cuisine. Local vendors will also be present, offering handmade goods to support the cause.

Sumood (صمود), meaning "steadfastness" in Arabic, is a term deeply rooted in nonviolent resistance against occupation in Palestine. This event honors that spirit of perseverance and unity, standing in solidarity with those impacted by ongoing struggles.

The Cause: Help Us Raise $10,000

We aim to raise $10,000 to fuel transformative initiatives for diaspora communities. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Diaspora Peoples' Place Empowerment Fund, which supports:

Diaspora Artists and Entrepreneurs: Providing empowerment grants to enable creative and entrepreneurial endeavors within diaspora communities.
Creative Healing Zones: Funding programs and hosting events that use art, music, and storytelling to foster resilience and healing
Sustainable Community Projects: Supporting initiatives that promote cultural preservation and collaboration among diaspora communities.

Your support helps ensure that creatives and entrepreneurs from historically marginalized communities have the resources to thrive while also addressing the urgent need for healing and solidarity in the face of global struggles.

The Event

Open mic:

Do you have a song, poem, story, or talent you’ve been waiting to share? This is your chance! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or stepping onto the stage for the first time, we welcome all voices and talents.

Sign up to perform here.

Vendors + causes:

Confirmed performers and speakers

Soundbath by Dalia Halabi
Mastakai
Soof + The Caravan
DJ Mansaf Mama
Leila Milki
Bourjaili
Arab Daughters
Talal
Olivia Sodd
Arij Mikati
Michael Cirelli
Humna Khan, 21 Minutes in Palestine
Safe House Podcast
+ more TBC

We highly encourage early arrival as performances will begin promptly at 5:30pm

Raffle

Fel Qalb Tatreez has created these three custom tatreez items. The framed pieces say Sumood while the hat is an olive/cedar tree. These are one of a kind pieces that can only be obtained by winning the raffle. Raffle tickets are $10 for three tickets and can be purchased at checkout or at the event.

Parking

- Limited street parking available
- Venue paid lot is located on the corner of La Fayette Park Place and Hoover. There will be a sign that says The Granada Building. Parking lot entrance is on La Fayette Park Place.

Voluteers

Volunteers wanted! Email contact@peoplesmarketplace.org to join our volunteer team

The Organizers: Diaspora Peoples Place

Diaspora Peoples' Place was born out of a deep-seated need to create a space where diaspora communities could come together, share their stories, and celebrate their cultural heritage.

Through partnerships with local organizations, artists, and entrepreneurs, Diaspora Peoples' Place provides a platform for cultural exchange, creative expression, and community building. From hosting The Peoples Marketplace, a vibrant event that brings together diverse diaspora communities, to offering empowerment grants and mentorship programs, Diaspora Peoples' Place is committed to uplifting and empowering diaspora communities.

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Sumood LA: An Evening of Storytelling for Liberation

Benefitting Diaspora Peoples Place Empowerment Fund