Meet Linda Orji | CanvasRebel Magazine Feature

Publication: CanvasRebel Magazine

Date: August 8, 2024

CanvasRebel sat down with Linda Orji for a wide-ranging conversation covering education reform, creativity, and how she turned passion into a purpose-driven career as a writing coach, spoken word artist, author, and trainer.

On reimagining the education system

Linda advocates a ground-up overhaul that brings together creative artists, herbalists, trauma therapists, innovative thinkers, and game-changers worldwide. Drawing from her experience across public and private schools and colleges, she calls for addressing systemic issues from food quality and testing methods to teacher support and child safety.

“I’d completely overhaul the current system and redesign it with a team of creative artists, herbalists, trauma therapists, innovative thinkers, and game-changers from around the world.”

She contrasts U.S. practices with international models that emphasize emotional development, bilingualism, creativity, and critical thinking from early childhood.

Introducing Professor LO and Cracked Concrete Vol. II

Linda’s character, Professor Linda Orji (Prof. LO.), anchors Cracked Concrete Vol II: Stay. The. Course: a creative lens on reform that champions critical and creative thinking and the next generation of educators and students.

Purpose, survival, and authenticity

Linda shares how her “Ph.D. in A Unique Sense of Survival” informs her life and work. She stresses realness and lived experience, supporting women with fibroids, protecting children, and coaching writers—rooted in personal history, discipline, and faith.

“I credit my brand on REALNESS. Everything I am doing; I have been through the mud for.”

From hobbies to businesses

After leaving corporate life, Linda built businesses around writing, speaking, fitness, and childcare support. She documented the journey in Manifesting My 8:28: How I Became Stronger by Lifting the Weight of My Wait, turning side interests into revenue and purpose.

Unlearning and evolving

Key “unlearns” included reframing money, exploring how the wealthy use life insurance, and releasing pressure to pursue a medical career despite cultural expectations. The through-line: convert experience into creative output and coaching that helps others write books, scripts, and screenplays.

Image credits: Dante Bland

On Sunday, April 28, 2024, immerse yourself in the transformative power of creativity at “A Night of Artistic Renewal: Representation Equals Power.” This exceptional event is produced and curated by Author Dionne D. Hunter and will be hosted by the always vivacious Laheelah Hunter. Paying homage to Black History, the evening showcases a diverse array of mesmerizing talent in spoken word, dance, song, and visual artistry.

Prepare to be profoundly inspired as Emmy award winner Boris “Bluz” Rogers, Charlotte’s Inaugural Poet Laureate Junious “Jay” Ward, Aggie Poet Laureate Essence Connor-Barringer, the former Head of Poetry at the Raleigh Film Festival D.S. Will, and the award-winning poet Linda Orji grace the stage with soul-stirring spoken word performances. Author Dionne D. Hunter will imprint an indelible mark on your heart and soul with a powerful excerpt from her short story “I am a Dahomey Warrior!”

The artistry doesn’t end there; prepare to witness an awe-inspiring fusion of dance styles as Moving Spirits Inc., a remarkable dance company, blends modern, ballet, and African diaspora dance forms into breathtaking performances. Then marvel at the elegant Urban Ballroom choreography by Robert Wilson of Dancing with Champagne.

Let the profound messages within the music of multi-talented artists Mason Parker and Tawanna Hughes touch your soul as they serenade you. Get swept away by the extraordinary talents of the melodious saxophonist Spunk Adams, while being simultaneously captivated by the visual artwork of Aisha Thomas. Throughout this enchanting experience DJ Ron Styles will ensure that the energy never wavers.

“A Night of Artistic Renewal” is more than just a show; it’s a celebration of cultural appreciation and a testament to the profound impact of artistic expression. This transformative event will ignite your imagination, engage your emotions, and leave you profoundly inspired.

We express our sincere gratitude to the Arts and Science Council for their generous contribution, enabling us to offer tickets to this remarkable event at the accessible price of $15 for adults, while children accompanied by a ticketed adult are granted complimentary admission (please reserve their seats as you purchase yours). We encourage you to secure your tickets promptly, and we recommend arriving early to secure optimal seating, as the doors will open at 4pm. Additionally, we kindly remind you to demonstrate your support for these exceptional artists by considering the purchase of mementos commemorating their splendid performances.

JULY 9, 2023
Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

GET TICKETS
EVENT STARTS: 3:00 PM
TICKET PRICES: Free
ON SALE: On Sale Now
PRESENTED BY: Dionne D. Hunter

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Get ready to witness an unforgettable celebration of Black History, Excellence, the Fine Arts and Family-Friendly entertainment at “A NIGHT of ARTISTIC RENEWAL Vol III: History In Living Color,” presented by distinguished spoken word artist and author Dionne D. Hunter.

This highly anticipated event will showcase a talented line up of exceptional artists, including Emmy Award-winning spoken word artist Boris “Bluz” Rogers, Charlotte’s Poet Laureate Junious ‘Jay’ Ward, and marvellous spoken word artists Keith Allison and Linda Orji.

But that’s not all – the event will also feature electrifying choreography from Vision Elite Royalty Dance Studio and Jerry Dean aka “Ungraceful Jay,” a breath-taking musical performance from the internationally renowned violinist Candice “Pretty Stringz” Smith, and the extraordinary vocal talents of Spencer “Suspence” Sims.

Additionally, visual artists Laurisha Fant, Tajmah Allison and Mike Bennett will showcase their incredible artwork.

This family-friendly event is not to be missed, designed to educate, stimulate, and entertain people of all ages and backgrounds, it will be especially inspirational for today’s youth who will benefit from seeing this celebration of Black History and the Fine Arts.

“A Night of Artistic Renewal vol III History In Living Color “, will take place on July 9th, 2023, from 3pm to 5:30 pm and is completely FREE – but tickets must be reserved in advance!

You’ll have the chance to purchase copies of the artists’ works before and after the event, so come prepared to take home a piece of this unforgettable night.

Make sure to mark your calendar and reserve your FREE ticket today to this exceptional evening of artistic expression.

A big thank you goes out to ASC Culture for All., for their generous sponsorship of this event.We are eagerly looking forward to seeing you there!

Learn more about the artists who are participating in History In Living Color. This diverse group of talented individuals showcases various art forms. Below are brief bios of each participating artist.

• Candice “Pretty Stringz” Smith, an internationally renowned violinist, entrepreneur, and educator, is the founder of an after-school program. She has a single called “Mirrors” that is currently streaming on all digital platforms.
• Boris “Bluz” Rogers is a spoken word artist who has won an Emmy Award and has been recognized for his excellence in leadership by the NAACP. He is the Director of Creative Engagement for Blumenthal Performing Arts and the slam master and coach of SlamCharlotte.
• Vision Elite Royalty Dance Studios, owned and operated by Jane Johnson, builds platforms and connections that help dancers grow and collaborate with other artists across the nation.
• Jerry Dean, also known as Ungraceful Jay, is a performing artist and choreographer who instructs at Vision Elite Royalty Dance Company. He has worked with KultureKlash and QC Krump and supports the Carolina Dance committee.
• Linda Orji is a spoken word artist and author originally from the Bronx, now living in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was chosen as a finalist for the 2021 Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts Museum’s Spoken Word contest, “Spoken Dreams.”
• Spencer Sims, also known as Suspence, is a versatile artist who sings and raps depending on the vibe. He believes in thinking outside of the box and drawing inspiration from the many greats who have come before him.
• Keith Allison is an author and spoken word artist who uses poetry to express his hopes for a more just and compassionate world. He produces and edits a quarterly video poetry collection called “Outdoor Voices in an Indoor World,” which brings together many amazing poetic voices. He is also releasing a spoken word album which will be streaming on all digital platforms.
• DJ Maine Maine travels across the USA, bringing music to people wherever he goes
• Laurisha Fant is an artist, poet, and visionary from Charlotte, North Carolina, and the Executive Director of Black Women Network (BWN), a 501(c)(3) that supports Black women entrepreneurs and promotes lifelong learning.
• Tajmah Allison is a passionate visual artist who uses acrylic, watercolor, and ink to convey different emotions. She prefers to showcase her narrative through murals and large-scale public artworks.
• Micheal Bennett, a.k.a. Kaizer Art, is an all-around creative specializing in large scale public art, interactive visuals, portraiture, immersive spaces, and creative directing. As a Charlotte native growing up in the Wilmore community   His focus is to create work where art and innovation meet. A born collaborator and “Tour and club dj,” Kaizer pulls from every conceivable experience that shapes his landscapes and perspectives.With his ever-evolving approach to art, Kaizer focus is on expanding customary views of creativity and challenging fine-art paradigms by mixing traditional mediums with new approaches.
• Junious ‘Jay’ Ward is a poet and teaching artist from Charlotte, NC, who has achieved numerous accolades for his work, including being named the National Slam champion in 2018 and the Individual World Poetry Slam champion in 2019. He has authored a book called “Sing Me A Lesser Wound” and is currently Charlotte’s inaugural Poet Laureate.
• Dionne D. Hunter is the producer and director of “A Night of Artistic Renewal” and is also a spoken word artist, author of “I am a Dahomey Warrior!”, and a video artist whose work has been screened at international film festivals.
• Finally, Jared Aaron Sims, owner of J.A. Red Video Media LLC, provides video and editing services for the event.

Again, make sure to mark your calendar and reserve your FREE ticket today to this exceptional evening of artistic expression.

DIRECTIONS & PARKING

A special preferred parking rate of only $10* is available for our patrons in our designated garage.

Bank of America Center Parking Garage

• Enter on Trade or 5th Streets between N. College and N. Brevard Streets.

The $10 rate is applicable when parked in the garage after 5pm on weekdays, Mon – Fri. If parked in the garage before 5pm, the $10 rate is void. There is no time restriction for the weekend, Sat & Sun.

GETTING AND USING YOUR PARKING PASS WHEN YOU ARRIVE

1. Pull the garage entry ticket when you arrive at the designated garage. You will need this to exit!
2. Purchase a $10 Blumenthal exit pass at the theater or >click here to purchase in advance online. If you would rather purchase by phone, please call 704.335.1010*

WHEN YOU EXIT

1. Insert your garage entry ticket into the yellow slot. Amount due will display on the screen.
2. Insert your Blumenthal exit pass in the same yellow slot, with the arrow pointing at slot.
3. Gate arm will rise and screen will display “drive safely.”

*Pre-paid parking is not available day of show.

PURCHASE YOUR PARKING EXIT PASS IN ADVANCE

Bring your pre-purchased parking pass with you to the show and exchange for an exit pass or purchase your exit pass at the box office or parking stations at the show.

The Booth Playhouse is located on the upper level of Founders Hall. Take the Bank of America Center Parking Garage elevator to the 6th level. Go through the Bank of America Center and cross the over-street walkway into Founders Hall. The Booth Playhouse will be on your immediate right.

RELATED LINKS

• Official Website

VENUE INFORMATION

BOOTH PLAYHOUSE

Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is located in Founders Hall and contains 434 seats in its orchestra and gallery levels.

It hosts a variety of dance, choral and other musical ensembles, as well as meetings, seminars and workshops.