The Soapbox Presents
Marija Abney’s founding of The Soapbox Presents in 2020 was an act of both resistance and renewal. Sparked by the murder of George Floyd, she recognized the need for a creative space where Black and brown voices could thrive, share, and heal through artistic expression. What began as a grassroots response to systemic violence has since grown into a vibrant cultural force in New York City.
The collective’s mission is simple yet profound: to offer free arts programming that is accessible to all, while spotlighting the immense talent within the city’s Black and brown communities. By removing financial barriers and centering marginalized voices, The Soapbox Presents has created a platform that is both inclusive and transformative.
From its earliest days, the program drew on the power of collaboration. Abney invited some of New York’s most talented artists to contribute their voices and skills, ensuring that the platform reflected both artistic excellence and cultural authenticity. The result is a dynamic mix of performances, workshops, and gatherings that celebrate creativity as a form of resistance.
One of the standout names to grace the stage is Mahogany L. Browne, Lincoln Center’s first poet-in-residence. Browne’s presence underscores the caliber of artistry that The Soapbox Presents attracts. Her work embodies the intersection of poetry, activism, and performance, aligning seamlessly with the collective’s vision of art as a vehicle for change.
Equally notable is Sean Mason, an arranger, composer, and pianist whose artistry has earned him a place as a featured guest with the Wynton Marsalis Quintet. His performances within the Soapbox framework exemplify the blending of tradition and innovation, drawing from jazz history while pushing the genre into new emotional and political territory.
The United Nations itself has recognized the work of The Soapbox Presents, acknowledging the collective during its inaugural International Day of People of African Descent. This global recognition affirms the group’s impact beyond the city, highlighting the importance of cultural platforms that speak to issues of race, identity, and justice.
Performance venues have played an essential role in the growth of The Soapbox Presents. Their presence at iconic institutions like The Apollo and Lincoln Center signals both a validation of their work and a bridging of worlds—between grassroots community programming and high-profile cultural stages.
Symphony Space and Afropunk Festival have also opened their doors to the collective, further expanding the reach of their performances. These stages allow The Soapbox Presents to meet audiences where they are, whether steeped in tradition or immersed in contemporary cultural movements.
Yet, perhaps the most striking aspect of The Soapbox Presents is its ability to take art to the streets. By bringing performances to stoops and sidewalks across New York City, the collective ensures that their work remains grounded in community. This approach dismantles the exclusivity often associated with the arts and reimagines public spaces as sites of creativity and liberation.
Their return to SummerStage this year, in Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park, marks a symbolic homecoming. Harlem has long been a cultural epicenter for Black artistry, and the park itself carries the name of one of the most significant figures in global Black liberation. Performing there is both a celebration of legacy and a continuation of struggle.
Through each performance and program, The Soapbox Presents emphasizes the importance of joy, resilience, and visibility. It is not only about responding to trauma but also about cultivating spaces of celebration, where art uplifts and affirms identity.
In just a few short years, Marija Abney’s vision has grown from a response to tragedy into a flourishing cultural institution. The Soapbox Presents stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to shape communities, confront injustice, and inspire futures. It is both a movement and a message: that the voices of Black and brown artists are essential, unstoppable, and deserving of the world’s stage.
