The World Stage changed my life. Bold confession for any person to make that an institution has that ability to change someone’s life; and for the better. But when I walked through the doors of 4344 Degnan Blvd. as an ordained Pentecostal Minister in the mid-90’s that is exactly what happened. Maybe that’s why the founders, Billy Higgins & Kamau Daaood, said, “The World Stage is not a space, but a spirit.”

No, The World Stage is no a religion or a cult; neither is it trying to convert anyone into anything. But for those of us who have felt it’s influence, we can attest to power of the spirit in this place.

The World Stage, for over 24 years, has provided low cost or free literary/musical/vocal workshop, seminars, training to children, youth, and adults for the Leimert Park and “WORLD” community. The World Stage is a place where Max Roach, Ron Carter, Elvin Jones, and Geri Allen and literary giants such as Sonia Sanchez, the Watts Poets, the Watts Prophets, Yusef Komunyakaa and South African revolutionary poet Keopisitle Kgositsile, have graced the Stage with their wisdom and spirit.

During the 1992 Uprising in Los Angeles, The World Stage provided a space for a hurting community to heal. The World Stage has always been a “safe space” where you can tell your truth or hone your muscial/vocal gifts. It has been a space for marriage proposals or memorials for members of the community.

Maybe your life wasn’t changed by The World Stage, but you received instruction/training that has helped grow your gift in some way. Or maybe you heard a poem or saw a jazz performance that inspired or encouraged you. Maybe you have NEVER been to The World Stage, if not, please check out our website, theworldstage.org. If you have been to The World Stage, been a part of any of the workshops/events there, please post your stories here and on our website so that others can know the work that has been done and continues at The World Stage.

Whatever it was, we need your help and support to help save The World Stage. If you can’t come to the press conference (scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, 2013 @ 4:00 pm) or community rally (scheduled for Saturday, October 19, 2013 @1:00 pm in Leimert Park), maybe you can donate, call friend, forward this link, have your friends forward this link. The more people showing up to the news conference, community rally, “joining” this event even if you can’t attend, will all go far to helping our efforts to keep The World Stage in Leimert Park.

Thank you for you support. If you would like to donate, got to our website, theworldstage.org, and click on the PayPal link.

Conney D. Williams
Artistic Director, The World Stage