In his interview, Willie Contraband discusses his role as an artist, writer, public speaker, and social entrepreneur focused on promoting health equity and community healing through art. Willie recounts his journey into the arts, starting with his engagement in spoken word poetry during a dark time, and using it as a way to bounce back. His project, "SWIM," (Spoken Words in Motion) symbolizes navigating life's challenges and finding resilience through music.

Willie emphasizes the role of art in building community connections, understanding, and healing, particularly highlighting its importance during the isolating times of the COVID-19 pandemic. He details his involvement in various artistic projects, including spoken word performances, which foster dialogue and enhance public spaces, making art accessible to multidisciplinary, historically excluded artistic voices.

Furthermore, Willie talks about his mental health-focused arts programming and collaborations. These efforts are designed to give people the tools to express themselves and share their stories, which he views as essential steps toward achieving a healthier, more inclusive community.

Through his creative endeavors, Willie underscores the transformative power of art in overcoming social barriers and creating shared spaces for impactful dialogue and understanding. His work exemplifies how art can be a powerful catalyst for social change, community engagement, and personal and collective healing.

This Durham Creative Voices Rising episode is proudly supported by Bull City Strong and its Say Something Strong Project. Bull City Strong is a community-based partnership aimed at reducing the increased risk of COVID-19 among historically marginalized populations in Durham County, including Black and Hispanic communities. This podcast is brought to you by Antonio Alanis Art, where we're dedicated to amplifying artists' voices and fostering wellness within our community through the arts.