Nationwide — The Spirit Awakening Foundation (SAF), a trailblazing arts-based nonprofit empowering incarcerated and underserved youth, will mark three decades of transformative work with its 30th Anniversary Legacy of Love Gala, “Voices of the Unheard”, on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California.
The evening begins with a 6:30 p.m. pre-show reception, followed by the main event at 7:00 p.m., and concludes with an 8:30 p.m. post-show reception.
Founded in 1995 by award-winning artist, author, and actress Akuyoe Graham, Spirit Awakening Foundation has spent 30 years helping young people uncover their authentic voices, creative power, and spiritual identity. Through writing, performance, and mindfulness practices, SAF has impacted more than 10,000 youth in Los Angeles County’s juvenile facilities and schools.
“We are celebrating 30 years of doing good,” said Graham. “This is about honoring our legacy—love in action. Our mission has always been to show young people that their voices matter and that art can heal and transform lives.”
The annual Voices of the Unheard performance is the cornerstone of SAF’s fundraising efforts. It features spoken word, music, and storytelling—all drawn from the raw, powerful writings of currently and formerly incarcerated youth, as well as those navigating challenging life circumstances.
This year’s celebration will include special appearances from some of SAF’s alumni sharing original works, plus presentations from notable speakers, including:
• Dr. Michael Beckwith (Agape International Spiritual Center)
• Lynn Kitchen, Spirit Awakening Committee Chair
• Judy Belk, former President & CEO, California Wellness Foundation
• Gina Morris, EDL Northwest
Celebrity supporters expected to attend include Gary Dourdan (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), Frances Fisher (Titanic, Unforgiven), and Debra Wilson (Cobweb, Batman: The Enemy Within).
Healing Through the Arts
From the start, SAF recognized the deep trauma affecting incarcerated youth—years before concepts like yoga, meditation, and trauma-informed arts programs were introduced into the system.
Through programs like Writes of Passage and the Visual Arts Initiative, SAF blends creative writing, theater, visual arts, meditation, role-play, and conflict resolution to help participants tap into self-worth, process trauma, and imagine new futures. Many of these youth—once silenced—emerge as confident storytellers, leaders, and community voices.
About the Founder
A Ghanaian tribal princess, Akuyoe Graham, is an acclaimed interdisciplinary artist, TEDx speaker, and author of the bestselling The Little Book of Transformation/7 Days to a Brand New You. Her award-winning one-woman play, Spirit Awakening, drew praise from the Los Angeles Times for “lifting the solo dramatic journey to heights rarely reached.” Her feature film adaptation of Spirit Awakening is set for release in Fall 2025.
Event Details
What: Spirit Awakening Foundation’s Voices of the Unheard – 30th Anniversary Legacy of Love Gala
When: Friday, October 3, 2025
Where: Skirball Cultural Center – 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
Tickets: $150 – Available at www.spiritawakening.org or 866-456-8002
Proceeds: Support SAF’s arts-based programming, mentorship, and educational services for underserved youth
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