Comedy, Theater, and Justice: Black Men Smile Joins Comedy and Conversations Live in Atlanta

On Thursday, May 22, 2025, Black Men Smile joins Comedy and Conversations at Theatrical Outfit for a live community event exploring “The Power of Art.” Presented in partnership with Theatrical Outfit and the new musical Young John Lewis, this evening of performance and dialogue highlights how creativity has long been a catalyst for courage, connection, and change.

Set in the heart of downtown Atlanta at 84 Luckie Street, this night blends conversation, laughter, and live performance to examine how art fuels social movements—past and present. Attendees can expect an evening that is equal parts joyful and thought-provoking, grounded in legacy, community, and storytelling.

Hosted by Atlanta-based comedian David Perdue and civic leader Munir Meghjani, Comedy and Conversations pairs stand-up comedy with real-world dialogue and guest commentary, using humor as a gateway to deep, relevant conversations.

Highlights Include:

🎭 A live performance highlighting Young John Lewis: A Made in Atlanta Musical, an original work by Psalmayene 24 with music by Eugene H. Russell IV, chronicling the youth of Civil Rights icon John Lewis as he becomes a force for change before the age of 28.

🎤 Featured Panelists and Special Guests:

  • Carlton Mackey creator of Black Men Smile®, Assistant Director, Community Engagement and Dialogue at the High Museum of Art, and co-director of Emory University’s Arts and Social Justice Fellowship.

  • Rozina Shiraz Gilani is a cultural strategist and organizer with deep roots in movement-building across the U.S. South. Her work spans racial justice, political education, and nonprofit leadership, all grounded in community collaboration.

🎭 Special Remarks By:

  • Matt Torney, Artistic Director of Theatrical Outfit. Originally from Belfast, Matt is an award-winning director whose work spans Ireland, New York, and D.C. He believes in theatre as a live, vital space for authentic storytelling and civic reflection. Under his leadership, Theatrical Outfit continues to produce bold, relevant works that connect deeply with Atlanta’s diverse communities.

  • Detria Austin Everson is CEO of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation. A Spelman alum and veteran nonprofit leader, Detria is known for her work in community empowerment, housing, and financial literacy—carrying forward Congressman Lewis’s legacy of "good trouble."

  • Addae Moon is a playwright, dramaturg, and cultural worker. He is the Associate Artistic Director at Theatrical Outfit and co-founder of Hush Harbor Lab. His immersive, award-winning work blends history, storytelling, and activism to deepen cultural understanding.

Event Details
📅 Thursday, May 22, 2025
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Theatrical Outfit | 84 Luckie Street, Atlanta, GA 30303
🎟️ Click Here for Tickets

Come for the comedy, stay for the conversation, and leave inspired by the transformational power of art.

community engagement, news and pressCarlton Mackey