TORONTO – For the 23rd year in a row, When Brothers Speak hit the stage in the city, giving Black men a platform to share their stories, and speak their truth. Organized by Toronto poet and activist Dwayne Morgan, over 450 people showed up to hear what these courageous men had to say. Dwayne joined us after the show to discuss the importance of creating opportunities for Black men to be heard and celebrated.
After over two decades, Morgan shared that there has only ever been one theme: Black men speaking.
Looking back to the first performance in 1999, Morgan explained that the work he was doing was unique, and still is.
“There was really nothing like it at the time,” Morgan said, adding that he wanted to create an avenue for the artists he admired to share their work.
“23 years later, there still really aren’t many places for Black men to express themself and be heard,” he continued.
Morgan shared that this year, six poets, including Ontario Poet Laureate Randell Adjei, spoke about everything that comes with Black masculinity and the realities of being a Black man in this world. Artists described the importance of not defining yourself by the trauma you experience, the experiences you have while searching for yourself, the all too common experiences of police brutality. They also revealed the nourishing and fulfilling truths of Black identity, fatherhood, and love.
Giving Brothers a Place to Speak
Morgan shared that he has always been concerned by the resistance Black men are met with when expressing their feelings. By creating a show like When Brothers Speak, he has created not only a place for Black men to express themselves but for others to gain a new perspective.
“It reminds you how important it is to create a space for Black men who aren’t poets to see themselves represented, and those who are not Black men get a different perspective on the Black male experience.
He also shared advice for Black boys and men who are still trying to find their voice in this world.
“Remember, my thoughts matter, my opinions matter, my experiences matter. When you live in a world that constantly finds ways to tell you that you don’t matter, it’s a powerful thing to realize that you do matter,” he explained.
“The statement Black Lives Matter is a profound statement, that it needs to be said highlights how much we don’t matter,” Morgan continued.
How Becoming a Father Changed His Work
In addition to his work as a poet, artist, and activist, Morgan has another important role: father. He explained how becoming a dad many years ago changed what this work means to him
“I think for her, and for the generations to come, it’s really the importance of being able to tell your own story so you’re not defined other peoples’ definitions of you,” he explained, adding that he encourages his daughter and all young people to dream their own dreams so they don’t live people’s dreams.
“I want my daughter to see that I’ve lived an unconventional life and that’s okay,” he explained.
But there’s something else that being a father has changed.
“The other part would be that it [fatherhood] changes you as a human being. Knowing that there is a person who looks up to you, who depends on you,” he explained, adding that becoming a father changed his goals and perspectives.
“There’s a lot of work that I’II create now that is inspired by fatherhood, or experiences that I have with her,” he explained, adding that he hopes he sets the example that she can be whatever she wants to be.
The Next 23 Years of When Brothers Speak
The show ran virtually throughout the pandemic, returning to a live audience on November 26th, 2022 for the first time since 2019. Morgan says that the production is still moving full steam ahead, and he has big plans for the future.
“The greatest thing would be to take the show on the road, and tour across North America or across Canada, but spread the idea of the importance of Black male voice, Black men speaking,” he explained.
“Our voice perspective is so important and so powerful but it’s not heard or shared enough,” Morgan added.
Morgan funds the shows out of pocket in order to ensure that the show is uncensored and unfiltered, so men are able to speak their truth. Let’s show this trailblazer some love in the comments! And let us know, would you be interested in seeing more events like this in Toronto?
