GO SOAR! – STOP! SHOW! & CONTROL!™
STOP! SHOW! & CONTROL!™ —
The Art Of Surviving A Police Stop!©
Empowerment Through Art and Awareness
The AfroSolo Theatre Company proudly announces the 32nd Annual AfroSolo Arts Festival, themed “GO SOAR!” — an inspiring call to rise above limitations and embrace boundless potential.
As part of this milestone celebration, AfroSolo joins forces with 1st Tuesday Poets and the African American Center of San Francisco’s Main Public Library to present a timely and transformative community event:
“STOP! SHOW! & CONTROL!™ — The Art Of Surviving A Police Stop!©
This Town Hall Meeting blends art, education, and civic engagement, offering practical strategies and emotional insight on navigating police encounters safely and respectfully. Attendees will experience a dynamic evening of presentation, poetry, and community dialogue centered on safety, empowerment, and understanding.
Event Details
What: STOP! SHOW! & CONTROL!™ — The Art Of Surviving A Police Stop!©
When: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Where: African American Center, San Francisco Main Public Library, 100 Larkin St., 3rd Floor
Cost: Free | RSVP: 415-771-2376
The evening features a presentation by AfroSolo’s Founder and Artistic Director, Thomas Robert Simpson, and live performances by some of the Bay Area’s most dynamic spoken word artists: C–Who?, Ron “RonGeezy” Gay, LadiRev, Lillian “LilSis” Jack, Greg Pond, R.O.D., and others.
A light reception will welcome attendees, followed by poetry performances and a moderated discussion exploring the steps to take before, during, and after a police encounter — ensuring that both community members and law enforcement return home safely.
C–Who?
C–Who? Is an anonymous, masked poet and lyricist from Bayview–Hunters Point, C–Who? is known for his raw, unfiltered wordplay and fearless truth-telling. A voice for the voiceless, he uses rhythm and poetry to awaken consciousness, challenge complacency, and inspire transformation. His artistry transcends performance — it’s a call to courage and collective change.
Ron “RonGeezy” Gay
Ron “RonGeezy” Gay is rooted in San Francisco’s Mission and Bayview–Hunters Point neighborhoods. RonGeezy’s poetry celebrates Black culture, everyday resilience, and emotional truth. As Executive Director of Prince 2 Kings Mentoring Program, he guides inner-city youth through mentorship and creative expression, leaving a lasting mark of compassion and empowerment.
LadiRevolutionary (LadiRev)
LadiRevolutionary (LadiRev),is an educator, poet, and healer from Bayview–Hunters Point, LadiRev has spent more than a decade facilitating trauma-informed youth development and healing workshops. She also hosts the podcast “Talkn Owt Da Side of Da Necc,” dedicated to personal healing practices for daily life.
Lillian “LilSis” Jack
Lillian “LilSis” Jackis a singer-songwriter from Suisun City. LilSis draws from her deep Bay Area roots to craft songs about family, faith, and perseverance. Her music uplifts and unites, telling stories that mirror the triumphs and trials of her community.
Gregory Pond
Gregory Pond – Born in Brooklyn to Panamanian parents, Pond is a member of the Revolutionary Poets Brigade and author of five poetry collections. He hosts 3rd Saturday Poetry in Chinatown and facilitates Poetically Speaking, a weekly conference call for senior poets. His work celebrates cultural pride and cross-generational connection.
R.O.D.
R.O.D. is a rising poet, entrepreneur, and lyricist. R.O.D. merges artistry with ambition. His spoken word performances illuminate struggle and renewal, offering messages of empowerment and purpose while building creative platforms for young voices.
Thomas Robert Simpson
Thomas Robert Simpson is the Founder and Artistic Director of AfroSolo Theatre Company in San Francisco. Since 1994, he has championed African American and African Diasporan artists through theater, dance, music, poetry/spoken word, and visual arts. A visionary leader and storyteller, Simpson uses art to inspire dialogue, empower communities, and celebrate Black culture.
About the African American Center
The African American Center is located on the third floor of the Main San Francisco Public Library at 100 Larkin Street. It provides a collection of circulating and reference materials on the history, politics, and culture of African Americans, and hosts public exhibits and programs.
About 1st Tuesday Poets
Founded by Terrell and Karwanna Irving, 1st Tuesday’s Spoken Word TV Showcase offers a powerful platform for artistic expression and community connection. For over five years, through Big Mouth Productions, they have hosted red-carpet poetry events across San Francisco, uplifting local voices and small businesses while fostering unity through the arts.
About AfroSolo Theatre Company
Founded by Thomas Robert Simpson, the AfroSolo Theatre Company celebrates and advances African American and African Diasporan arts through theater, music, visual, and literary presentations. Its mission is to nurture, promote, and present Black artistry that illuminates the full range of Black life, challenges negative stereotypes, and inspires empowerment through creative expression.
For over 30 years, AfroSolo has used art as both a mirror and a catalyst — reflecting truth while building bridges of understanding across communities.
For more info, call Thomas at 415-771-2376.