Kinston, NC – Kinston Teens, in partnership with the North Carolina Climate Justice Collective, invites the community to join Ballots and Balance, an evening of dynamic performances and voter education aimed at empowering residents ahead of the 2024 election. The event will be held on Thursday, October 10, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Rochelle Middle School, located at 301 North Rochelle Blvd, Kinston, NC.

This exciting event will feature performances by award-winning poet and Hip Hop artist Dasan Ahanu, and renowned Afro-Latin fusion singer and activist Taína Asili. Ahanu, the Cultural Organizing Director for NC Climate Justice Collective and 2023 Piedmont Laureate, uses his work to lift marginalized voices and inspire radical change. Asili, known for her soul-stirring freedom anthems, has performed across the globe, using her Afro-Latin music to connect audiences with racial, gender, and climate justice movements.

The evening will kick off with an opening performance by Stage LYFE, a local dance group celebrated for their energy and artistry. Stage LYFE has captivated audiences across Eastern North Carolina and beyond, and is sure to set an inspiring tone for the night.

In addition to these extraordinary performances, Ballots and Balance will provide attendees with nonpartisan voter education materials, helping them to prepare for the 2024 election. The event aims to connect civic engagement with environmental justice, empowering the community to make their voices heard in both arenas.

"We believe that art, music, and culture are powerful tools to inspire civic engagement," said Chris Suggs, Executive Director of Kinston Teens. "This event is a celebration of our community's resilience and a call to action as we approach one of the most important elections of our time."

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024

• Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

• Location: Rochelle Middle School, 301 North Rochelle Blvd, Kinston, NC

For more information, please contact Kinston Teens at hello@kinstonteens.org or visit our website www.kinstonteens.org/events. Click here to RSVP.

About Kinston Teens
Kinston Teens is a youth-led nonprofit organization committed to empowering young people through service, leadership, and civic engagement. Founded in 2014, the organization works to create positive change in Kinston and surrounding communities through community development, voter engagement, and advocacy.

About North Carolina Climate Justice Collective
The NC Climate Justice Collective is dedicated to advancing environmental and climate justice in North Carolina, focusing on building resilience in communities that are on the frontlines of climate change.