This week, we're sitting down with Gabby Jackson of the Joy-Jackson Initiative to talk about building systemic equity in the arts!

Gabrielle is a Los Angeles-based actress, singer, poet, and activist. She is the founder and director of The Joy-Jackson Initiative, a non-profit organization creating actionable tools to build systemic equity in the arts. Her performing credits include: Nala in Disney’s Tale of the Lion King, Celie in The Color Purple, Angela in Parade, Nehebka in Aida, and Ti Moune u/s in Once on This Island.

Gabrielle also writes and produces her own children’s show, Hey, Miss Gabby!, which fosters anti-racism in young kids through fun, accessible characters.

Gabrielle is dedicated to work that centers and redefines Black narratives, and creates equitable artistic expression for all. She is a graduate of Saddleback College Applied Vocal Program with a Classical emphasis.

Learn more about the Joy-Jackson Initiative at www.joyjackson.org.

More resources:

We See You White American Theatre

Black Theatre Girl Magic

Your Black Friend Are Busy

This episode was produced on the unceded ancestral territory of the Kiikaapoi, Peoria, Bodéwadmiakiwen, and Miami. This episode was edited by Emery Lade, with original intro and outro music by Marc Young.