By Selena Haynes | Photo Courtesy Rachel Bell and Dorsha James
With all that we face in the world today, life can be daunting. When Judge Rachel Bell and Dr. Dorsha James launched i am. . . just human, in May 2017, they did so understanding that compassion, patience, love and acceptance should be simply part of who we are as humans.
“After we put our labels & differences aside, the one thing we have in common is that we are . . . just human,” said Rachel.
As busy professionals, Rachel and Dorsha spend a lot of time on the go and in doing so meet a variety of people on a daily basis. Their charismatic personalities allow for people to open up and talk about their own life journeys.
“We are always amazed that a simple ‘How has your shift been going?’ can lead to a lengthy, in depth, and sometimes emotional, conversation with a complete stranger,” said Dorsha.
These conversations and experiences have been the motivation behind the i am . . . just human movement.
“For the last year we have been talking to people about the i am . . . just human movement, mostly because of the current political atmosphere and tensions that we are all experiencing on a daily basis. We hear people say all the time, but ‘I am colorblind’ to try to illustrate their acceptance of all ethnicities and races when we live in a world as magnificently hued as a kaleidoscope. Some will say ‘I am not political’ because they are afraid that their own opinion will be the subject of scrutiny and backlash from someone who takes their statement out of context or just doesn’t take the time to see things from a different perspective. You have others who are afraid to express their religious beliefs for the fear that they will be discriminated against or encouraged to abandon what has been their solace in the time of need,” said Rachel.
As part of the i am… just human movement, Rachel and Dorsha held the inaugural LOVE FEST last June. The LOVE FEST was created by Rachel & Dorsha with the vision of people coming together who are open to love for all, providing an atmosphere to enjoy a night of music, dancing, food and drinks. The event, held in their backyard, was wildly popular and has gained momentum already. In fact, they are gearing up for this years event in a larger outdoor venue in Nashville set for Saturday, June 9 from 5 to 11 p.m.
The headliner for the night will be the sounds and voice of Will Davenport and his band, along with guest artists Dee Jones, Laura Vida, CoJo Ko, DJ Kenny Smoov from 92-Q and comedy by Thunder Kellie. It’s going to be a great night full of LOVE & EQUALITY!
MORE INFORMATION
THE LOVE FEST
Presented by I am … just human, celebrating an openness to love for all with a night of music, dancing, food and drinks. Will Davenport and band headlines with performances by Dee Jones, Laura Vida, CoJo Ko, DJ Kenny Smoov from 92-Q and comedy by Thunder Kellie.
5 to 11 p.m. June 9, at the Old School Farm and Barn.
For more information, visit @TheNashvilleLoveFest Facebook Page. Tickets can be purchased on EventBrite.
