You're Invited To Open Doors Reality Poetry Night Presented By Coler Hospital Residents Harmed By Gun Violence Tuesday May 22 At Roosevelt Island's Gallery RIVAA

Roosevelt Island's Gallery RIVAA and the Angelica Patient Assistance Program are hosting a night of Open Doors Reality Poetry presented by Coler Hospital residents on Tuesday, May 22 from 6 - 8 PM at Gallery RIVAA (527 Main Street). You're invited.

According to Open Doors Reality Poets:

On Tuesday, May 22nd, 2018, from 6 to 8 pm, OPEN DOORS Reality Poets – alongside World Slam Finalist Joel François – will offer a glimpse into their complex perspective through a night of spoken word, a video chronicling members’ lives “before and after the chair,” and visual art.

OPEN DOORS is an initiative of the Angelica Patient Assistance Program, which seeks to improve the lives of economically disadvantaged New Yorkers living in long-term care facilities.

OPEN DOORS is a pioneering effort to harness the creativity and leadership potential of a group of men harmed by gun violence to become positive forces in their communities and beyond. Members receive artistic guidance, professional training, and a platform for their voices.

Members live at NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler on Roosevelt Island. They share a common thread but are not limited to that bond.

On May 22nd, take the time to see how a mile is traveled in their wheels. But don't feel sorry for these slick talking storytellers; lend them your heart and ears but check your sorrow at the door.

Open Doors adds:

LeVar Lawrence, who as a kid went from drawing on paper to drawing on walls in project staircases. In August 2005, a bullet severed his spinal cord. “Now instead of drawing with my hands I take pictures and manipulate them with digital art software.”

LeVar Lawrence writes:

Only if he had raised his arm about an inch or two / I wouldn’t have to be telling my story to you / ... I can’t even teach my son how to play ball / Or pick up and run if he needs me at the drop of a call / Is this a punishment for all the wrong that I did? / Now I’ve been sentenced to this wheelchair doing a life-sentence bid

Image From LeVar Lawrence

Here are some readings from the 2017 Open Doors Project Angelica Poety Slam at Gallery RIVAA.



More info available on Angelica Patients Assistance Program and Open Doors Reality Poets.