Honoring Legacy: A Tribute to Lucille Clifton through Voices of Change

The Geena Davis Institute, in collaboration with the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and The Clifton House, proudly presented "Honoring Legacy: A Tribute to Lucille Clifton through Voices of Change" on February 22nd. This special virtual gathering aimed to honor the enduring impact of Lucille Clifton, celebrated poet and activist, by weaving her legacy with powerful voices advocating for diversity and empowerment in the arts. Esteemed speakers and artists shared their experiences, performed readings, and discussed the ongoing influence of Clifton’s work in promoting inclusivity and understanding in media and beyond.

Speakers and Panelists:
Geena Davis, Founder and Chair, Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media
Madeline Di Nonno, President and CEO, Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media
Sidney Clifton, SVP, Animation and Mixed Media, Jim Henson Company, and Lucille Clifton’s daughter
Alora Young, Writer, Actor, Youth Poet Laureate
Alysia Reiner, Award-Winning Actor and Producer
Marley Dias, Author and Activist
Isabella Gomez, Award-Winning Actor
Terrence Little Gardenhigh, Actor
Louis Gossett Jr., Academy-Award Winning Actor, Writer/Producer/Director

Event Highlights:

The event was introduced by Madeline Di Nonno, who set the stage for a tribute filled with reflections and readings inspired by Lucille Clifton’s life and work.

Geena Davis and Sidney Clifton offered opening remarks that framed the event as a celebration of Clifton’s profound legacy in the fight for representation and equity.

Sidney Clifton, honoring her mother's memory, introduced each guest speaker, leading into a series of poignant poetry readings that echoed Lucille Clifton’s themes of resilience, identity, and empowerment.
The panel discussion, anchored by Madeline Di Nonno, delved into the transformative power of the arts, inspired by Clifton’s example, to challenge societal norms and inspire change.

The audience Q&A session facilitated meaningful interaction, allowing attendees to explore the ongoing relevance of Clifton’s work and its impact on contemporary discussions around diversity and representation in the arts.

Key Takeaways:

• Lucille Clifton’s legacy as a beacon for change in the arts and society was vividly honored and celebrated, highlighting her work's lasting influence on generations of artists and activists.
• The importance of storytelling, mentorship, and representation was underscored, drawing from Clifton’s life as an example of how creativity can be harnessed for social good.
• The event emphasized the role of individuals and institutions in continuing Clifton’s legacy by supporting diverse voices and stories in media and the creative arts

Actionable Insights:

• Participants were encouraged to actively engage with and contribute to organizations like The Clifton House and the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, which strive to make the arts more inclusive and representative of all communities.
• The discussions highlighted the importance of seeking out and advocating for media that reflects a multiplicity of voices and experiences, in line with Clifton’s vision for a more inclusive world.
• By drawing on the spirit of Lucille Clifton’s work, attendees were inspired to use their own creative and professional platforms to challenge inequalities and champion diversity in all forms of media.

This event did more than just celebrate the remarkable life and work of Lucille Clifton; it served as a poignant reminder of the arts' power to catalyze change and the responsibility of every creator and consumer to honor and extend her legacy of inclusivity and empowerment.