Event Details

Oraynu is excited to announce that Ontario’s Poet-Laureate Matthew-Ray Jones, also known as Testament, will be speaking to us on the topic of “At-Risk Youth” on March 30, via Zoom. Embracing positivity via our words and actions for their transformational impact, language has always been Matthew-Ray’s sharpest weapon used to opening eyes, hearts and minds to the potential within.

Matthew-Ray will discuss with our community how we, as a society, define ‘at-risk youth,’ the systemic factors and behaviours that perpetuate cycles of adversity, and what resources might help shift the tides.   He will share with us what this looks like and how we, as a community, can make a difference.

A father, artist, entrepreneur and revolutionary, Matthew-Ray uses his passion for words, art and life to motivate, inspire and lead. He trusts in the values of peace, love and unity as his guiding principles as he continues to spread his message worldwide.

This important conversation will take place in advance of the fundraising event Oraynu is hosting May 9, in support of the Keep6ix Youth-in-Music Program, a platform that provides mentorship and musical skills development, as well as an introduction to the music business itself, for marginalized youth.   Matthew-Ray has maintained a close connection with Keep6ix for some time and highlights the organization as a prime example of how we can lift struggling youth within our community.

To read more on Matthew-Ray Jones, visit his organization, P.E.A.C.E. (People Everywhere Actually Co-existing Equally) https://www.dreamsforpeace.com/the-team/testament/