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At the DAWA website, a bit further below poet Joe B‘s heartening video testimony of the Austin nonprofit, is the root of DAWA’s work in a single quote from West African writer Malidoma Patrice Somé: “One can say, ‘Teach me what you know,’ but the better request is, ‘Teach me about what teaches you.'”
This lifelong learning experience inspired Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone (Riders Against the Storm) to create DAWA in 2019. In addition to providing support for people of color in the Austin community, there’s an emphasis on art and its many practitioners – artists, musicians, social workers, teachers, healers, service industry workers – all serving as catalysts toward social and cultural change.
-Photo of Riders Against the Storm by David Brendan Hall.
To celebrate its second year, DAWA presents Healing Ain’t A Luxury: DAWA 2-Year Anniversary benefit bash tomorrow, Saturday September 25, at Empire Control Room, 606 E. 7th St. Catch performances by CP Loony, Honey Made, Ivy Roots, Johnny Jukebox, M3cca, Money Chicha, and Riders Against The Storm, along with a special presentation by artist/poet/life coach/healer Sunni Patterson, and a performance by The Teeta; along with DJ sets by Chorizo Funk, Kay Cali, and Zetroc. Doors open at 8 p.m. And please remember to bring your mask.
