06/12/2020
A statement regarding where I, and my performance troupe Cirque Cadia, stand:
A message from Cirque Cadia's founder:
First and foremost, Black Lives Matter. Black lives are sacred, essential, crucial, and always have been. Systemic racism must END. This is non-negotiable. Black communities must be heard, amplified, honored, and followed in their demands. There must be justice for Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Tony McDade, Manuel Ellis, Ahmaud Arbery and every other person who has lost their life at the hands of people & systems drenched in racism. Cirque Cadia will always stand firmly against hateful marginalization for any reason - be it race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender identification or expression, religion, income, citizenship status, education level, or physical or mental ability.
Initially I didn’t think making a personal statement on this page was necessary or appropriate, as it would simply take up space. However, I’ve realized that to not say anything would be a disservice to Black folks and anyone who may be left wondering where this company stands.
As a white woman running a small business in the entertainment industry, I have to always acknowledge the many privileges I hold that have unfairly given me an advantage. These privileges include, but are not limited to, being white, cisgender, educated, able-bodied, and having grown up middle-class. I didn’t earn any of these privileges, but I benefit from them daily. Both the entertainment industry and society itself are rigged to favor people who look like me. Therefore, it is my responsibility to do all that I can to dismantle these unfair systems, both personally and in my business. I can and will take action.
In addition to learning about my own white privilege and how systemic racism is baked into every aspect of life in the USA, donating to Black-led organizations, having important conversations with other white people, signing petitions, sending emails, and amplifying Black voices, Cirque Cadia itself will undergo some policy changes. These are some of the actions that will be taken moving forward:
1.
No more all-white performer ensembles. Performers are purveyors of inspiration, and having a diverse group of people create that inspiration is crucial - especially when so often our audience members are children. Although CC already works with many incredible performers of color often, racial diversity in representation needs to be a standard every time. Every performance is an opportunity to uplift and inspire, and I never want any viewer of a Cirque Cadia performance to think that circus ‘is just a white thing’ because they only see white faces. Circus is for everyone.
2.
Any equipment, supplies, or services that can be purchased from a Black-owned business, will be. This includes, but is not limited to, makeup, costume pieces, creative services, and learning materials.
3.
For every gig, 10% of proceeds will go to a Black-led organization supporting community needs in the city or region of the gig.
This is just a starting point, and I’m all-ears if you have more suggestions. I will continue to look for ways to further expand my actions and impact.
To white followers and colleagues: We must engage, listen, and do the work. We were born of this oppressive system, and it’s our job to undo it. The importance of a personal and societal dedication to anti-racism cannot be overstated. You have power within your families, performance troupes, workplaces, and schools. We all can make a difference, and we MUST make a difference. Links to organizations that I think should be followed, amplified, and donated to can be found in the comments. I also encourage you to seek out and support Black performers and creatives specifically.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. And more importantly, thank you to all of the Black performers, creators, leaders, thinkers, and activists for everything that you have done and continue to do.
Sincerely,
Natale Luma // Luma Fire & Flow
Founder of Cirque Cadia
