APIDA Heritage Month | Neon Entertainment

Pride and APIDA Heritage Month by Ebo Barton

May 27, 2022

As we come to the end of APIDA Heritage Month and enter into Pride Month, we would like to share something written by Spoken Work Artist, Ebo Barton, as they identify with each of these communities:

Bazooka Ball

“Yes, last-minute we had to change location due to their being confusion with reservations, facilities, and the campus police. It ended up working out though as the change of location ended up being better for Jay and the setup with electricity being right there and not having to be setup. Those who played seemed to thoroughly enjoy the game, and we want to thank you for all of your help and assistance through the booking process. We look forward to continuing working with you throughout the rest of this semester and those to come. “

— Paige, East Stroudsburg University

Piscataway Nation

“I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed their presentation at the Penn State Altoona University campus today. Cody is an amazing dancer. Mark is an amazing storyteller. Together with Jenny and Mark’s son, Niche (not sure how to spell it), it was a great experience, so personal and up close and it really left a feeling of joy and happiness as well as appreciation with me. I hope they continue celebrating, teaching, and sharing their heritage.”

— Dana, Penn State University – Altoona

Will Jay

“Everything was wonderful with Will Jay. He was easy to work with during the event and our students truly loved having him – I have already received requests to bring him to campus when we are allowed to do face to face events again. Here is what one person text me after the event, “I hope you can tell Will Jay how powerful it was, I’m talking to so many people about it and they all loved it and were touched by his songs and words”. There were multiple messages in the chat during the event last night talking about how amazing his lyrics were, his voice, most importantly students were able to relate in to the messages he was talking and singing about. I think Will Jay has a new fan base here at CMU and they are going to consume the music he has out now – and are eagerly anticipating what he has in store.”

— Central Michigan University

Shaun Boothe

“I recently booked Shaun to be the keynote speaker at our 5th Annual TDSB Stand Up Conference. Shaun was not only our youngest but possibly one of our best keynotes we’ve had to date. The way he mixed his strong message of character and education with the performance of his incredible Biography Series videos had the whole audience captivated — students and adults alike. His musical performance consists of historical content, based on a literacy approach that will engage youth.”

— Gary Crossdale (TDSB Administrator), Caring and Safe Schools

Elizabeth Acevedo

“She [Elizabeth Acevedo] was wonderful. It was a perfect fit for the event, the audience loved her! She gave them a space to explore some emotions they may have or need to understand from an outsider’s perspective or just a space to hear what she had to say abut her experiences, observations, etc. One of the students from the club we were collaborating with even said we need to bring her back in the future. She is one performer we will be keeping in our heads for future performances.”

— Emily Umstead, Aquinas College