Above: Isaiah Blake '17 performing in Soul Nativity.
(Photo courtesy of Harlem School of the Arts)

Faces of Xavier: Isaiah Blake '17 

If you searched for the word “engaged” in the dictionary, you would likely find Isaiah Blake '17 as a definition. 

In his three years on 16th Street, the Brooklyn junior has maximized every moment. From stage production to film shoots to his leadership of multiple justice initiatives, he’s made his mark.

December found Blake traveling to the British Virgin Islands for six days with the Harlem School of the Arts, performing in Soul Nativity, a modern Gospel interpretation of the Nativity story. He returned to New York to perform in the stateside show from December 11-20, part of his work with the HSA’s college prep program, through which he studies acting, musical theatre, African dancing, and photography.

This month, he completes his work on The Rainbow Experiment, a feature film being shot entirely at Xavier. He has been working on the production alongside professional actors and members of the Xavier Dramatics Society, developing his character, Lawrence Johnson, at Columbia University workshops and at shoots on 16th Street.

His true passion lays in justice work, however, especially in The Spectrum, the popular organization he founded last year with Charlie Lambert ’15, now a freshman at the University of Virginia. Last fall, Blake brought student leaders from schools across the area together at Xavier. The group, which includes representatives from Fieldston, Beacon High School, Notre Dame, and every Jesuit school in the city, will meet again this month to brainstorm and collaborate.

Blake has also participated in various legislative visits inspired by his two trips to the Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice, and last summer, he had a transformational experience at a food justice internship. 

“Social justice is a huge part of what I do,” Blake said. “When Xavier says its mission is to form young men who will act justly in service of others, that means a lot to me. I try to uphold that standard here. Students are well-versed in what it truly means to be men for others.”