The Historic Carver Theater’s Social Justice and Awareness Week Events Series “Stand Up, Speak Out!” will feature events aimed at raising awareness and fostering conversation about a variety of social and political topics. On October 6, the “Women FIRST” conversation and benefit concert focused on identifying the driving factors and consequences of women’s incarceration in Louisiana, a state often ranking with the highest incarceration rate in the country, will take place. Guest speakers will be in attendance to discuss the topic and lend their hands in developing policy solutions to address the needs of women re-entering society. According to the venue’s website, LaToya Cantrell is scheduled to deliver a seminar.

Musical performances from Cha Wa! and MainLine Brass Band will also be included at the event. A $10 minimum donation is expected, the proceeds of which will benefit the Louisiana Prison Education Coalition. According to its website, the organization “is a group of people that are committed to increasing the educational opportunities for the 45,000 people currently in prison in Louisiana and all those directly impacted by the prison system.”

Social Justice and Awareness Week at the Carver will also feature events focused on the youth and education, with performances from MIA X, Shamarr Allen, Jason Neville, and Charmaine Neville. Big Chief Bo Dalis & the Wyld Magnolias and TBC Brass Band will be in the building for the “Re-Think Our History” event.

Tickets for Women FIRST are available here. Doors open at 7p.m.