Artist Profile: Nick Robinson
In Spring 2023, Nick Robinson was selected to represent Madison at Soapbox Nation in Washington, DC. It was the national competition that followed the initial local event that happened on March 23 at Overture Center for the Arts, during which 120 Madison students from 16 schools participated in Mikva Challenge’s Madison Citywide Project Soapbox. The event is a part of a nationwide program that provides students in cities across the country a platform to speak out about the issues that are important to them by sharing ‘call-to-action’ speeches in front of an audience of their peers and community leaders. Robinson is 14 years old and lives with his parents, sister and two dogs. He likes writing stories, acting in plays swimming, riding my bike and cooking.
1) What and/or who was the inspiration for the speech you wrote for Project Soapbox?
The inspiration for my speech is my dad and sister. My dad's side of the family are the people in my family who are people of color. Knowing that there is hate and prejudice toward them and knowing how the expression of that hate and prejudice can lead to violence is scary. It is also a topic I'm very passionate about. So I wanted to better inform people (as well myself) about the challenges and problems they face.
2) Why did you want to be involved with this Mikva Challenge citywide competition?
It was an opportunity in school that teachers had students do. I felt like it was a way for me to be able to share and have people say speeches they wrote for it too. My speech was about an issue that is important right now so people need to be aware of so they can take action.
3) Are you interested in other forms of creative expression or social justice initiatives?
Protests and marches are interesting because they take on a peaceful approach to solving an issue to get people's voices heard. But even for people who want to share their specific message about a matter, blogs and podcasts can be an amazing way for people who want to talk about making change to be heard. Plus people of all ages can do it; and I believe is a great way for high schoolers to seek change also.
4) How would you like to see more young performers and creatives' work showcased in Wisconsin?
I would like to see more people participate in projects like this and get their messages out there because young people's voices are just as important as adult voices. I would like to see them express their topics and make their voices heard. It doesn't even have to be speeches as long as they get their voices out there.