July 6, 2026
Personal Reflections
Yesterday, I came home from an evening walk, read about the photograph taken on the bus in Washington D.C. of the black woman surrounded by members of “patriot front” (which I refuse to capitalize), got angry, and wrote poetry (click here to read).
Being me, I naturally got insecure wondering if I appeared to be “annoyingly angry,” but then I woke up to comments this morning from people sharing how the poem resonated with them and that put my mind at ease and filled my heart with gratitude.
Through this experience, I realized the best art, or rather the art that tends to intrigue me and keep my interest alive and fresh is responsive, analyzing what is going on in the world and coming from a raw, passionate, emotional, and reflective place. It’s deeply human, which we need in a world captivated by AI.
Many of you know that I have been enjoying listening to Michael Jackson music, researching his life, and building my own sort of “thesis” in my head. I truly love Jackson for many reasons, but I think why I keep being drawn to his music because of the raw and responsive place it comes from.
Jackson’s catalog is filled with music that was both relevant of to his time and ahead of it, while containing what I consider to be sort of prayers for the world. Songs like: Earth Song, Man in the Mirror, Black or White, We Are the World, Heal the World, We’ve Had Enough, Money, Tabloid Junkie, People of the World, They Don’t Care About Us, and more!
Speaking of “They Don’t Care About Us,” there are two versions of this music video that were both directed by Spike Lee. To appreciate the full nuances of what Lee and Jackson did, watch the Prison Version and then the Brazil Version right after. The last shot of the Prison version leads directly into the Brazil version. It is incredibly clever!
Locally, this is why I keep applauding Harlequin Production’s 2026 Season theme “Home/Land” in my reviews of their shows. This season does come from a responsive place and embraces diversity while considering a wide range of “American” experiences. It is bold, it is risky, and I dig it. Click here to read how Artistic Director Aaron Lamb described the HQP season.
Dear friends, we must not become numb, desensitized, or enter into denial. We must allow ourselves to remain aware of the world around us and seek out responses that not only nourish our spirits, but inspire the community that surrounds us.
Art is the perfect tool for response because it creates more open and engaging spaces, and allows people to both explore their imagination and view the world from another perspective. Music is an especially powerful tool because our brains connect to it in a deeper way as songs get stuck in our head!
Let me leave you with one final idea:
People tend to avoid anger because it does not feel good and if untamed can lead to dangerous circumstances and ultimately consume us…we don’t want that, but I think that anger is not always bad.
A thought came to mind last night that I think will help us find balance — anger is only harmful when it brings harm to yourself or others. Bruce Banner figured it out when he told Captain America, “That’s my secret Cap, I’m always angry.” He found a way to find balance and use anger for good, and I believe we can too.
This Week in the Arts
Coming up this week, I will be publishing two pieces in my JOLT Column including:
City of Olympia’s Mayor Dontae Payne discusses the arts
Encore! Arts & Pride Month Conversation Series: Lauren Love
I will be publishing these articles under “Rachel’s Choice”
Review: Terry Shaw & band’s July Rock Vespers at St. Marks Lutheran Church
Sneak Peek: Vox Olympia’s “Midsummer” Concert July 11th.
To read my articles as they come out, I invite you to subscribe to the JOLT News and/or follow me on Instagram and Facebook, then invite a friend to do the same! :)
If you read a story that inspires you, I invite you to share it with others and help spread the word about the incredible things happening in the Thurston County Arts Community.
Then, make a donation to The JOLT News so that we can continue to celebrate everything happening in our arts community.
Other Fun Things This Week
Getting in ‘The Zone’: “Eye of the Beholder” Season 2, Episode 6. Watch episode here to prepare.
14 Questions for My Community: How do you know when you can trust someone? What do you think makes someone trustworthy?