Esabella Grace joins Thomas Sage Pedersen in a conversation about creating a culture of acceptance, belonging, and tolerance in Santa Cruz County. Bella is an advisor for the Black Health Matters Initiative, a co-founder of Blended Bridge, a program committed to creating a safe and open community for all, and the founder of the Black Surf Club Santa Cruz (B.S.C.S.C.). An activist and a young professional, opening up Santa Cruz to the conversations that have long been avoided. Spoken word hip-hop artist Joseph Jason Santiago LaCour opens the night.

Speak for Change

Speak for Change was founded with the mission of creating positive and lasting social change in our local and global communities. From a studio at the Tannery Arts Center in Santa Cruz, Thomas Sage Pedersen has hosted over 100 podcast episodes – and now, Speak for Change and Indexical bring you a series of live events! Each event features an interview and a musical guest, with new and custom sets tailored to the topic of conversation.

Thomas Sage Pedersen

Thomas Sage Pedersen’s mission and purpose has shifted throughout the years, but has always revolved around: to explore and implement innovative ways to inspire and create communities that are rooted in health, self-awareness, communication, creativity, accountability, courage and nonviolence. He continues to explore these principles in his personal life as well as in organizations he has created, helped create or are a part of.

Thomas is the CEO and Founder of the award winning music school Everyone’s Music School. He is the founder and main host of the podcast Speak For Change Podcast. He also has his own radio show on KSQD 90.7 fm in Santa Cruz County called the Speak For Change Radio hour. He is a co-Founder and the main facilitator of the Black Kings of Santa Cruz County which is a black men’s group here in Santa Cruz County rooted in brotherhood and connection.

He is a member of the Santa Cruz Equity Collaborative who are popularly known for holding responsibility for the BLM mural here in Santa Cruz. When not working in the community Thomas likes to write, paint and create music. He lives in the Redwoods of Santa Cruz County with his amazing artist wife Lauren Ringelman.

COVID-19 Precautions

Proof of vaccination is required for all attendees. Please bring a CDC vaccination card, a photo of a card, or a California SMART Health QR code.

All attendees must be masked while inside the space.