It’s February 2019, and youth from Solid Ground’s Sand Point Housing campus gather around a slight man in a long beard and turban, talking intently about his cartoons and photos which surround them in the lobby of the Wing Luke Museum. The photos feature Vishavjit Singh himself as the Sikh Captain America, donning a red, white, and blue uniform complete with shield … and a turban.

Vishavjit tells the youth about how he began cartooning during challenging times following the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks. Targeted with fear and intolerance from fellow Americans, Vishavjit says he “armed himself with turban, beard, and humor” and embarked on a cartooning career. His cartoons feature turban-wearing characters like himself who address fear and bigotry with sharp wit.

He uses his platforms – art, storytelling, humor, and a superhero alter ego – to help people see beyond their differences and break down prejudices. (View his work and learn more about his story on his website: Sikhtoons.)

At Solid Ground, we know that people and communities are more than their stereotypes. They embody their stories, with their own hopes and dreams and solutions to share. So we are thrilled to have Vishavjit reinforce and expand on these ideas as keynote speaker at our 19^th Annual Building Community Luncheon on Thursday, April 4 at the Sheraton Grand Seattle!

The Luncheon is Solid Ground’s signature event and fundraiser – our most important and largest gathering of the year! We’ll come together to celebrate our communities, get inspiration from their stories, and jump into action to help fuel our work to uplift those most vulnerable in our region.

Vishavjit will deliver a POW! of a keynote at the Luncheon, and he’ll share some exciting work he’s leading with our Sand Point Housing youth this month through a series of cartooning workshops – supporting resident youth as they tap into their strengths and vulnerabilities, and bring out their own inner superheroes. The Luncheon will feature outcomes from these workshops, including a documentary video of the project, so don’t miss it!

Solid Ground values the voices of our communities and works to honor and amplify their stories. But we can’t do it alone! We need your help to tap into your strengths and powers to support our participants in their journeys to justice. Make a donation of at least $300 at the event – or prepurchase your table – and receive an exclusive T-shirt at the Luncheon, custom designed by Vishavjit!

Lastly, thank you to our Super Sponsors – including Microsoft, Sprague Israel Giles, Swedish, Virginia Mason, DCG ONE, and the Arcora Foundation – who underwrite the cost of the Luncheon and make it possible for donations to go directly toward ending poverty in our communities! To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Gary Rubin at garyr@solid-ground.org or 206.694.6724.

Cartoonist & activist Vishavjit Singh poses with Sand Point Housing resident youth by an exhibit of his work at the Wing Luke Museum.