At the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, the relaunch of Speak to My Soul unfolded as an evening of artistry, truth-telling, and community connection. The historic space, built to honor two figures who fought for justice and equality, became the perfect backdrop for a gathering that celebrated the power of creativity to inspire understanding.
Founded by Evita Colon ’09, Speak to My Soul has been a touchstone in Lancaster’s cultural landscape for more than a decade. What began as a local creative collective has grown into a movement that redefines what it means to tell one’s story on one’s own terms. Its return with the exhibition The Truth About Us was a reminder of how art can help us process where we have been and imagine where we might go.
Guests moved through the center surrounded by paintings, photographs, poetry, and live performances that explored identity, memory, and belonging. Each piece invited reflection on the stories we carry those passed down through generations, and those being written in real time within our own community.
For the School District of Lancaster, the evening echoed many of the values of inclusivity, representation, and the belief that education and the arts are inseparable. We know that when young people are exposed to spaces where creativity is honored and authenticity is encouraged, they learn to see both themselves and others with deeper understanding.
Attending Speak to My Soul reminded us that education is not confined to textbooks or classrooms. It lives in the rhythm of a poem, the brushstroke of a painting, and the courage it takes to stand on stage and share one’s story. It lives in the willingness to listen.
As we continue to partner with organizations and artists who help amplify diverse voices, we carry forward the spirit of what this event embodied: a community learning from its past, celebrating its present, and shaping a more connected future for every student and family we serve. For more photos, visit us on Facebook.