Meet Jessica Greer Morris
It is no coincidence that when Danai and I first met in London during the summer of 2014, Girl Be Heard was performing at a conference to stop rape in conflict zones. (Yup, Girl Be Heard has a show on nearly every issue impacting girls—from bullying and body image to the most devastating human rights issues such as forced child marriage and sex trafficking.) Ever since then, Danai has been an inspiring and beloved member of our Girl Be Heard family. As an actor, playwright, and activist who uses art to raise awareness about social justice issues, she is a stunning example and guiding light for young girls everywhere, especially those in our Girl Be Heard community.
My Girl Be Heard journey dates back to 2009 when I was moonlighting as a cabaret singer, and working to stop the spread of AIDS in Africa by day. I was blessed to meet a cutting-edge, theatre director Ashley Marinaccio, at the Estrogenius Theatre Festival in New York City. Together we sacrificed everything and volunteered for years (working countless other jobs) to create the nonprofit theatre company, Girl Be Heard, which has since touched the lives of young women across the globe. We have toured seven countries with our original shows—all written and performed by our girls—and brought our girl empowerment programs into 12 NYC schools, refugee camps, and domestic violence shelters, worldwide.
Girl Be Heard is a movement that brings together storytelling, theatre, civil rights, feminism, and peace-building. I have the honor, each and every day, to put miracle grow on the talents of young women. Since artists are some of the most exploited, overworked professionals in our country, economic empowerment is central to our work. Girl Be Heard employs countless young female artists (as young as 15), every year, who share their stories via street theatre and on stage.
I invite you to join our movement to empower girls around the world. We are honoring Danai with Girl Be Heard’s highest honor, our Fairy Godmother Award, on October 19, in New York City. Hope to see you at this Cinderella evening of live theatre and a dance party you will not want to miss.
Welcome to the Girl Be Heard family!
Click here to learn more about Jessica.
