Written By: JR Robinson

Ladia Yates, a celebrated Memphis choreographer and founder of the L.Y.E. Academy, has long used her platform to uplift and educate. Her production, School Board The Musical, was designed not just as entertainment, but as a catalyst for community dialogue and empowerment. By inviting State Representative Justin J. Pearson to speak during a brief delay, Ladia demonstrated a keen understanding of the moment: the stage was already set for attention, emotions were high, and the audience was primed for a message that mattered.

Pearson’s eight-minute address was not a random interlude. It was a strategic move to turn a potential lull into a teachable moment. As Memphis faces mounting concerns over xAI’s supercomputer facility—including environmental, regulatory, and community safety issues—Pearson’s presence brought credibility, urgency, and clarity to the discussion. His reputation as a passionate advocate for Memphis’ most vulnerable made him the ideal messenger for a topic affecting the city’s future.

Why This Was the Perfect Way to Educate the Community

Traditional forums for civic education—town halls, news broadcasts, and public meetings—often struggle to reach broad or diverse audiences, especially young people and those disengaged from politics. By integrating activism into a popular cultural event, Ladia Yates created a space where information could be shared organically, with the power of live performance amplifying the message.

School Board The Musical was already a celebration of youth talent, resilience, and hope. The audience, ranging from children to elders, was emotionally invested and present—not just physically, but mentally. Pearson’s speech, delivered with authenticity and urgency, resonated in a way that a press release or news story never could. The immediacy of live theater, combined with the credibility of a trusted leader, transformed a civic issue into a shared community experience.

Reaching Young and Old: A New Model for Civic Engagement

As more people tune out of traditional media, events like Ladia’s musical offer a blueprint for reaching both young and old simultaneously. The show’s intergenerational cast and audience created a rare space where families, educators, students, and elders could engage with critical issues side by side. This approach breaks down barriers between generations and fosters dialogue that extends beyond the theater.

Ladia’s model is especially powerful because it leverages:

• Cultural relevance: Dance, music, and performance are universal languages that draw diverse crowds.
• Community trust: The L.Y.E. Academy and Ladia herself are deeply embedded in Memphis, lending authenticity to the message.
• Strategic partnerships: By collaborating with respected leaders like Pearson, the event bridges the gap between art and activism.

Expanding the Model: How Memphis and Beyond Can Build on This Success

The fusion of art, activism, and education seen at School Board The Musical can be replicated and scaled in several ways:

• Integrate civic education into community events: Churches, sports games, and festivals can all incorporate brief, impactful messages from trusted leaders.
• Partner with local artists and influencers: Artists like Ladia Yates have the reach and credibility to draw audiences that traditional institutions struggle to engage.
• Use performance as a springboard for action: Follow up live events with opportunities for attendees to get involved—petitions, town halls, or community forums.
• Leverage digital platforms: Record and share these moments on social media to reach even wider audiences, encouraging ongoing dialogue and action.

The Value for Memphis Youth: Exposure, Empowerment, and Agency

For Memphis youth, being exposed to leaders like Justin J. Pearson in creative, empowering settings is transformative. It shows them that their voices matter, that their community cares, and that activism is not confined to city hall or the ballot box—it can happen anywhere, even on a stage. This exposure:

• Demystifies civic engagement: Youth see firsthand how policy and activism intersect with their daily lives.
• Builds confidence and agency: Performing alongside or listening to respected leaders fosters a sense of ownership over community issues.
• Inspires future leadership: When young people witness their mentors and role models taking action, they are more likely to do the same.

Conclusion: A Blueprint for the Future

Ladia Yates’ decision to invite Justin J. Pearson to the stage during School Board The Musical was more than a creative solution to a production delay—it was a visionary act of community leadership. By merging art, activism, and education, Ladia has introduced a new way for Memphis to address its most pressing challenges, one that unites generations, empowers youth, and builds a stronger, more informed community.

As Memphis and cities like it grapple with complex issues—from technological change to environmental justice—the model pioneered by Ladia and Justin offers a path forward: meet people where they are, speak in languages they understand, and never underestimate the power of a good story—or a great performance—to change hearts, minds, and futures.