Blog

ANGELA CASTRO FREIRE 2023 BILLIE ALLEN MEMORIAL SPONSORSHIP RECIPIENT

Angela Castro is a 24 years old Chilean activist who has participated in five Breaking Walls Summits since 2018. Angela has recently graduated from English Teaching Pedagogy Program at the University of Concepción. It has been her childhood dream to be a teacher and work with teenagers. She has actively participated in her community in different organizations with her neighbors, believing that group work and building community is key to making changes in the system. She wants to prepare herself to be the best teacher, mentor, and positive influence on the youth, and to work to try to give more opportunities to students in the public system regarding the inequality in the Chilean educational system.

Angela will use her Billie Allen Memorial Sponsorship to attend the International Education Internship Cuba Program in September 2023.

By ftarr / March 12, 2024

Santiago Ambassador, Angie’s Experiences in Cuba Representing BW

The dream of getting to know Cuba was a dream that I had since I was a teenager. As I...

Read More
By ftarr / March 5, 2024

Cape Town Artist, Sherwin Is Excited For The 2024 Sarajevo Summit

After experiencing the 2023 Community-Based Initiative in Cape Town, I was chosen to attend a Summit in Sarajevo with Breaking...

Read More
By ftarr / February 16, 2024

So I’m really Looking Forward to Taking Part in the 2024 Summit-Sebi

Hello everyone! My name is Sebastiano, I'm 15 and I'm from the Palermo delegation. This past year I had my...

Read More
By ftarr / February 5, 2024

Berlin Artist, Malak, Shares Her Experience

My experience with Breaking Walls has been transformative. From the moment I joined, I found myself immersed in a community...

Read More
By ftarr / December 4, 2023

The 2024 Paula Fürst Schule Virtual Arts Cooperative Approaches

The Paula Fürst Schule is a Montessori school in the Charlottenburg district in Berlin, with many creative students and teachers,...

Read More
By ftarr / October 25, 2023

Breaking Walls 2023 Cape Town – Travis…

I'm Travis and this is my experience with the Breaking Walls program So when I heard about the program I...

Read More
By ftarr / October 25, 2023

Breaking Walls 2023 Cape Town – Sherwin…

I attended the Breaking Wall Cape Town 2023 program. It was a very nice experience for me to be around...

Read More
By ftarr / October 24, 2023

Senior Reflects on 2023 Cape Town Community Based Initiative

Dear [Fran, Mama D, OJ], I hope this letter finds you in the best of spirits. I am writing to...

Read More
By ftarr / July 25, 2023

Breaking Walls, Safe To Say, Is Quite The Experience – Amy, 2023 Cape Town Artist

Breaking Walls, safe to say, is quite an experience.  The beginning of 2023 Palermo Summit began with a creative burst,...

Read More
By ftarr / April 17, 2023

FRAN’S THOUGHTS AHEAD OF OUR 2023 PALERMO SUMMIT!!

Once again Breaking Walls’ Summit is approaching, and I can’t help but feel anxious about it. It's that feeling of...

Read More
By ftarr / April 10, 2023

Breaking Walls Honors Adina Taubman – Director of Creative Activism

  Barcelona artist, Maria reflects on the impact Adina's Creative Activist Lab program creates. Dear Adina, As Breaking Walls artists,...

Read More
By ftarr / October 20, 2022

Shankia Reflects on 2022 Cape Town Community-Based Initiative

MY EXPERIENCE WITH BREAKING WALLS 2022 My experience at Breaking Walls 2002 Cape Town was amazing. If I could do...

Read More
By ftarr / October 20, 2022

Tamia Reflects on 2022 Cape Town Community-Based Initiative

The experience at Breaking Walls has been like no other. From strangers to family. My perspective on EVERYTHING has changed...

Read More
By ftarr / July 29, 2022

2022 Yerevan Day of Community Service

Orran Children's Center's mission is to divert vulnerable children from the streets and engage them in academic, extracurricular, and cultural...

Read More
By ftarr / July 29, 2022

Reflections on 2022 Yerevan Summit by Maria

Once again Breaking Walls has been a home for growth, mindfulness, mutual learning, friendship, and leadership. As an artist from...

Read More
By ftarr / November 5, 2021

Reflections on 2021 Virtual Artist Cooperative by Claudia

Last year’s Virtual Artist Cooperative was a bit of an experiment. We did our best to make everything work, but...

Read More
By ftarr / November 5, 2021

Breaking Walls 2021 Cerdanyola del Vallès Initiative Reflections by Dani

"Hi, I'm Dani and I've come to explain my time traveling through this wonderful project Breaking Walls. "At first, we...

Read More
By ftarr / September 11, 2021

Breaking Walls 2022 Yerevan Summit Reflections by Dwayne, Detroit Artist

“To say that being a part of Breaking Walls has been life-changing is an understatement. Since I’ve been a part...

Read More
By ftarr / July 23, 2021

The Breaking Walls 2021 Peace & Acceptance Statement

Each year the artists and ambassadors of Breaking Walls gather together to share their thoughts, insights, and passion for creating...

Read More
By ftarr / May 17, 2021

Thank You Breaking Walls Supporters!

Dear Breaking Walls Supporters, I write from a place of joy truly made by my receiving the Billie Allen Memorial...

Read More
By ftarr / May 6, 2021

Announcing Breaking Walls 2021 Virtual Artist Cooperative

Virtual Artist Cooperative July 12 to 16 July 19 to 23 8:30am - 11:00am EST/USA WHAT: Breaking Walls was initially...

Read More
By ftarr / March 30, 2021

Tangier Artists, Mariam & Safaa, Shine Brightly

On March 19, 2021, Mariam and Safaa launched their CONNECT*CREATE*CHANGE PodCast. In their own words, they share their insight, inspiration,...

Read More
By ftarr / February 14, 2021

Red Hearts Music Video – Reflections by Barcelona artist & Red Hearts Creator, Maria

“Love, respect, and our effort to connect, create and change. This past month the Breaking Walls family has come together...

Read More
By ftarr / January 1, 2021

Tangier Artist, Moha’s Leadership Shines

Good morning/evening everyone! I am sure everybody’s having an unforgettable time with celebrations and so are we because we are...

Read More
By ftarr / December 26, 2020

Breaking Walls Tangier Artist Mehdi’s Leadership Shines Brightly

I’m Mehdi a Breaking Walls artist from the Tangier delegation. Breaking walls T-shirt and accessories online business came up to...

Read More
By ftarr / October 30, 2020

Breaking Walls Artists Take-On The BIG QUESTIONS Facing Their Communities

My Experience Creating A PSA Barcelona artist, Maria In a world where we are all connected through the internet and...

Read More
By ftarr / October 23, 2020

ONWARD to 2021 by Executive Director & Founder Fran Tarr

Breaking Walls global family deeply cares about the well being, happiness, and inspiration of everyone our global family touches! Each...

Read More
By ftarr / September 25, 2020

Breaking Walls Speaks Out for Peace & Acceptance

BREAKING WALLS 2020 PEACE AND ACCEPTANCE STATEMENT                         ‘ ARCHITECTS...

Read More
By ftarr / September 22, 2020

We Are A Virtual Glogal Family of Artists!!!

Today’s missive shares more insights into our BW impact on young people across the globe. It feels right to spread...

Read More
By ftarr / July 24, 2020

BW Artists Understand Their Role As An Artist In Our Society

Barcelona artist, Oriol speaks out: ”In this turbulent time in which injustice and prejudgement are being raised, youth's voices matter...

Read More
By ftarr / July 3, 2020

Your Struggle Is My Struggle

This is Breaking Walls' global family's truth - we stand together, lean against each other, and inspire our brothers &...

Read More
By ftarr / July 2, 2020

Breaking Walls Hits The PodCast Scene With A Splash

YES! There is more fun news - Breaking Walls was featured in two June PodCasts: Warriors of Education Podcast brings...

Read More
By ftarr / May 29, 2020

Breaking Walls’ Warsaw Artist/Leadership Apprentice, Dominika’s Voice Resonates

Breaking Walls proudly and happily shares Dominika's vision of Breaking Walls with you! In her own words, Dominika shares: “I...

Read More
By ftarr / May 29, 2020

Breaking Walls’ Barcelona Artist, Maria’s Voice Resonates

Breaking Walls proudly and happily shares Maria's vision of Breaking Walls with you! In her own words, Maria shares: “I...

Read More
By ftarr / May 28, 2020

Breaking Walls 2020 Virtual International Artist Cooperative August 11 through 18

As we all emerge from quarantine, Breaking Walls and our entire global family hopes you and your loved ones are...

Read More
By ftarr / May 1, 2020

Tangier Artist, Ranya Inspires Hope

A Note From Ranya: Human nature ensures that we feel certain emotions, but we never know the indicators of said...

Read More
By ftarr / May 1, 2020

Cape Town Artist/Leadership Apprentice Inspires Hope – Jesse

A Note From Jesse: The first thing I picture when we come out the other side of this pandemic is...

Read More
By ftarr / April 19, 2020

A Message of Hope from Cape Town Ambassador Athenkosi

A blessed day …. During these uncertain times, Cape Town Ambassador Athenkosi shares a message of hope, understanding and the...

Read More
By ftarr / April 1, 2020

Breaking Walls’ Voices Of Hope

Wherever across the globe Breaking Walls reaches you this day, our entire global family wishes you and all your loved...

Read More
By ftarr / February 17, 2020

Breaking Walls’ 2020 Stakeholder Meeting – A Summary

Today, I had the pleasure of attending the Breaking Walls Stakeholder Meeting. It was so nice meeting new people who...

Read More
By ftarr / January 20, 2020

Personal Is Political

Personal Is Political by Breaking Walls Santiago artist Angela Castro Freire When people ask me about memories related to food,...

Read More
By ftarr / January 10, 2020

HEAR MY WORDS AND UNDERSTAND WHO I AM

Breaking Walls artists share their passionate insights on the Writing Prompt HEAR MY WORDS AND UNDERSTAND WHO I AM. Tangier...

Read More
By ftarr / December 10, 2019

Discover Your Voice #2

Barcelona artist, Oriol passionately addresses the issue of violence again women, everyone vulnerable in our society.

Read More
By ftarr / December 10, 2019

Discover Your Voice …

The heart and soul of any Breaking Walls program are our artists who discover their voice via the creative writing...

Read More
By ftarr / November 16, 2019

Breaking Walls 2019 Fall River Workshop

There are moments in life that remind us of the responsibilities we must accept, along with the roles we play...

Read More
By ftarr / November 2, 2019

Our Breaking Walls Impact!

Breaking Walls Director/Founder/CEO, Fran Tarr is excited to share a new addition to our monthly story - the impact the...

Read More
By ftarr / November 2, 2019

Reflections on Breaking Walls 2019 Berlin by Sanja & Lili

In the beginning, we didn’t know much about Breaking Walls. We both felt insecure about talking English with native speakers. ...

Read More
By ftarr / October 9, 2019

Reflections From 2019 Cape Town – Tanicha

My Reflections from 2019 Cape Town by Tanicha The writing piece was my favorite because we could all express our...

Read More
By ftarr / October 4, 2019

2019 Cape Town Artist, Ashton, Shares His Reflections

Breaking Walls 2019 Cape Town in partnership with Rainbow Dreams Trust brings together 24 young artists, ages 14 to 18,...

Read More
By ftarr / September 21, 2019

What-We-Do

Breaking Walls is a non-profit youth empowerment movement founded in 2011, focused on helping young men and women discover their...

Read More
By ftarr / September 19, 2019

Reflections From 2019 Tangier Summit – Kajetan Warsaw Artist

Breaking Walls 2019 Tangier Summit is a wrap. All the artists, ambassadors, the directing team, and board members have returned...

Read More
By ftarr / August 31, 2019

My Day of Community Service – Maria, Barcelona Artist

During the Breaking Walls experience that was lived in Tangier, artists got the chance to dive deep into the city,...

Read More
By ftarr / August 31, 2019

MY DAY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE by Oussama, Tangier Artist

Breaking Walls 2019 Tangier Summit was meant to be a summer camp, or so I was told. Something I’ve applied...

Read More
By ftarr / June 28, 2019

Heading Toward Tangier – Brooklyn Ambassador Naya Mason

June 30, 2019: There are moments the life of a young adult where people question their identity as a person....

Read More
By ftarr / May 7, 2019

Breaking Walls Makes A Splash at 2019 SXSW

I listen to myself reflect on SXSW and words like awesome, amazing, fascinating, inspirational, humbling . . . exhilarating pop...

Read More
By ftarr / March 6, 2019

Breaking Walls 2019 Harlem @ The Dwyer Cultural Center – In Their Own Words

Our director/founder, Fran Tarr, is so pleased to introduce you to our Breaking Walls 2019 Harlem artists, their photographer, and...

Read More
By ftarr / March 4, 2019

An Evening To Never Be Forgotten by Brooklyn Ambassador, Miana Vega

2019 marked my fifth year in Breaking Walls and my third year as an Ambassador. There were times where I...

Read More
By ftarr / March 2, 2019

My Evolution in Breaking Walls by Naya Mason, Brookyln Ambassador

I joined Breaking Walls in late 2015, after being asked by my teacher to stay after school for a workshop...

Read More
By ftarr / January 24, 2019

Breaking Walls 2019 Harlem @ Lead Yourself To Life

Breaking Walls director/founder, Fran Tarr is pleased to share that the Dwyer Cultural Center in partnership with Breaking Walls has...

Read More
By ftarr / December 11, 2018

Luna’s Truth

My name is Luna and I am a student at the Paula-Fürst Schule in Berlin. Last week the Breaking Walls...

Read More
By ftarr / November 28, 2018

FRAN TARR: The Woman Behind Breaking Walls

BY ALEJANDRO BRUNA ALL PICTURES BY ANNA VILARRÚ Fresh off her In-School 5 Day Workshop in Berlin, the Founder, and...

Read More
By ftarr / November 4, 2018

I Am A Proud Breaking Walls 2018 Cape Town Artist

During every Breaking Walls experience, our artists are asked to reflect on the creative writing, performance peacemaking experience they just...

Read More
By ftarr / November 4, 2018

Five Day Community-Based Initiative 2018 Cape Town

Wardah and Aashiquah The Breaking Walls 2018 experience… I could never be able to describe how this experience has helped...

Read More
By ftarr / October 19, 2018

Breaking Walls Anthem by Ilhaam Gordon 2018 Cape Town Artist

BE INSPIRED . . . We are enough. We are enough no matter what society thinks of us. We are...

Read More
By ftarr / September 26, 2018

DKS Diversity Club – A Breaking Walls’ Impact Story

by Jesse Griesel - Cape Town artist Many people see my school, the German International School Cape Town, as a...

Read More
By ftarr / September 26, 2018

Breaking Walls Launches Our Monthly Check-Ins

To my Breaking Walls Family, September 8th, 2018 was my first time partaking in a Monthly Check-In - that’s because...

Read More
By ftarr / September 20, 2018

Breaking Walls 2018 Cape Town Happening October 3 through 7!

Breaking Walls, an international youth empowerment movement, in partnership with Rainbow Dreams Trust will premier their fourth annual creative writing,...

Read More
By ftarr / September 1, 2018

Brookyn Ambassador, Naya – Reflects On J. Luce Foundation Young Leaders Experience Indonesia

In life, we have events that define or shape the role we play in the world. An experience that alters...

Read More
By ftarr / August 20, 2018

Breaking Walls 2018 Santiago – Naya Mason’s Video Sharing

As a Breaking Walls ambassador, representing Breaking Walls at the J. Luce Foundation Young Leaders Program, is an extremely exciting...

Read More
By ftarr / August 20, 2018

Thank You Chance the Rapper For Your Inspiration

Our director/founder, Fran Tarr, proudly and happily shares how much of an influence Chance has had on our non-profit organization,...

Read More
By ftarr / August 15, 2018

Reflections from Jakrata, Indonesia by Brooklyn Ambassador Naya Mason

In life, we have many long, treacherous journeys that we must complete. The flight to Jakarta was one of them...

Read More
By ftarr / August 6, 2018

Breaking Walls 2018 Summit Refections by Claudia

My name is Claudia. I’m 18 years old and I live in Curicó, Chile. Breaking Walls has been one of...

Read More
By ftarr / August 1, 2018

I Need You As Much As You Need Me by Brookyln Ambassador Naya Mason

In life... we don’t often get the chance to show the world our inner thoughts, our own conundrums and our...

Read More
By ftarr / August 1, 2018

Health & Wellness by Brooklyn Ambassador Naya Mason

In this world, there are many thoughts that play a role in who we are and how we define ourselves....

Read More
By ftarr / July 24, 2018

Breaking Walls 2018 Santiago Day of Community Service by Brooklyn Ambassador Naya Mason

In life, most people strive to make their mark in the world. They wish to be a legend, to be...

Read More
By ftarr / July 21, 2018

The History of Chile – Breaking Walls 2018 Summit by Brooklyn Ambassador Naya Mason

Every country has its own story and the past of Santiago, Chile is one that should especially never be forgotten....

Read More
By ftarr / July 21, 2018

Breaking Walls 2018 Santiago Summit Writing Triggers by Brooklyn Ambassador Naya Mason

In life, we all create goals for ourselves- and we do just that with Breaking Walls. There is a mission...

Read More
By ftarr / July 21, 2018

Breaking Walls 2018 Santiago Summit Goals by Brooklym Ambassador Naya Mason

In life, we often create barriers between ourselves and others based on conflicting ideas or opinions. Considering this, Breaking Walls...

Read More
By ftarr / June 20, 2018

Breaking Walls LIVE!!

Join Us live on-line Saturday JUNE 23, 2018. Breaking Walls Brooklyn will be hosting a live stream round table with...

Read More
By ftarr / May 10, 2018

The Artist, Ambassador & Associate Process To Reach Breaking Walls 2018 Santiago

PROCESS: Each year young people from across the globe dream of participating in our annual Breaking Walls Boot Camp. The...

Read More
By ftarr / April 26, 2018

Help Breaking Walls Break Boundaries in Santiago

Breaking Walls, an international youth empowerment movement, uses creative writing and theatrical performance as peace-building tools in crafting an equitable,...

Read More
By ftarr / April 21, 2018

World Creativity & Innovation Day – April 21, 2018

HAPPY, HAPPY WORLD CREATIVITY & INNOVATION DAY! In celebration of United Nations World Creativity & Innovation Day, Breaking Walls' Brooklyn...

Read More
By ftarr / April 1, 2018

Miana Vega & Naya Mason, Brroklyn Ambassadors, & Sustainable Development Goal 15

Our heartfelt thanks and deep respect to Spoken Word artist, Kurt Peloquin, for sharing his talent and insights with Brooklyn...

Read More
By ftarr / April 1, 2018

Brooklyn Ambassador, Britani Fraser, Addresses the Commission on the Status of Women

Breaking Walls is a unique model for global citizenship development among young people who have had everything against them...through creative...

Read More
By ftarr / April 1, 2018

The J. Luce Foundation 2018 Outstanding NGO Candle Light Award

This year the J. Luce Foundation unveiled four awards: their foundation's Clare Boothe Luce Award for International Service, Outstanding NGO...

Read More
By admin / February 6, 2018

Sticks & Stones – Truth Words by the 2018 Brooklyn Artists & Ambassadors

Sticks & Stones Written & Performed by the 2018 Brooklyn Artists & Ambassadors Based on the 2018 Santiago Theme: The...

Read More
By admin / January 5, 2018

Stars & Change Makers Launch Breaking Walls 2018 Santiago

Breaking Walls 2018 Santiago “Kick-Off” The Thirst For Truth - Words Matter January 29, 2018 6:30pm to 8:30pm Atlantic Theater...

Read More
By admin / December 22, 2017

Breaking Walls Global Impact

The Breaking Walls innovative approach to educational collaboration, community-building and social justice is a true model for art and peace...

Read More
By admin / December 18, 2017

Breaking Walls – Discover Your Voice & A Platform From Which To Share It

Breaking Walls is a not-for-profit initiative that empowers youth to discover their voice, and offers them a platform on which...

Read More
By admin / December 15, 2017

JOIN US @ 2018 Santiago Fundraising Evening!!!

Breaking Walls 2018 Santiago is thrilled to announce our 2018 Annual Fundraising Evening! Here’s why — in these troubling times...

Read More
By admin / December 12, 2017

Breaking Walls 2018 Santiago – The Full 411

BREAKING WALLS 2018 SANTIAGO Breaking Walls is a global youth empowerment movement using creative writing and theatrical performance to build...

Read More
By admin / December 11, 2017

Breaking Walls 2017 Berlin – In-School Workshop

Breaking Walls 2017 Berlin - In-School Workshop First I would like to thank you for your time and your support....

Read More
By admin / December 5, 2017

Breaking Walls 2018 Berlin

First I would like to thank you for your time and your support. When I made contact with you, I...

Read More
By admin / November 11, 2017

Breaking Walls 2016 “Inclusive City” Cape Town

Breaking Walls 2016 "Inclusive City" Cape Town During this turbulent time, a group of 20 teenage artists from Cape Town’s...

Read More
By admin / January 18, 2017

Throwback to the 2015 Barcelona Performance: Khusi, Nuria, and all the group

The breaking walls family after the show, Barcelona 2015. KHUSI  Here I am smiling, crying, letting out what is killing me...

Read More
By admin / November 23, 2016

Detroit 2016: ‘When They, When You’ by Athenkosi

What do you do when they close your eyes when you want to see?  When they close the door because...

Read More
By admin / November 7, 2016

Detroit 2016: ‘Let Freedom Ring’ by Joelle

My dear global brothers and sisters, “Let freedom ring! Let freedom ring!” As said by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr....

Read More
By admin / November 2, 2016

A Sparkle of Breaking Walls 2016 Detroit: ‘In my Neighborhood’ by Zaria, Nuria and Celynah

In my neighborhood In my neighborhood I see children of the same culture playing around in the yards and having...

Read More
By admin / October 12, 2016

2016 Global Youth Rising Young Peace Makers Forum

"This past summer of 2016, I got this amazing opportunity to travel to Romania for a peace education workshop called...

Read More