Alex J. Bledsoe is a multi-disciplinary artist, activist and strategist whose work is inspired by dismantling exploitative systems. She is currently directing two documentaries: OAKLEAD investigates Oakland’s lead poisoning crisis and racialized health disparities; and Heart Race follows one man’s attempt to obtain a heart transplant while grappling with the realities of racial inequity in Milwaukee.
Alex has been a guest columnist for The Washington Post, a Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Fellow, a Maynard 200 honoree and an Aspen Institute emerging writer nominee. Alex is frequently sought after to direct and strategically advise social issue campaigns for nonprofit and commercial clients. She directed and executive produced four videos for the launch of the Nike Equality vertical and Until We All Win campaign during Black History Month.
Alex is the co-founder of Breaktide Productions, a film production company owned and operated by women of color, and rooted in intersectional solidarity. Breaktide’s current films address issues of environmental racism, human rights and indigenous sovereignty. Breaktide has earned awards and recognition from Sundance, SXSW, ITVS, and Cannes Lions, and was named to the YBCA 100 list of changemakers in 2019.
Alex is a singer, having performed with the R&B group Resonant Essence Live (REL) from 2009-2012, including for former Vice President Biden, as well as backup for Astu in 2019. She is preparing to release her debut solo EP in 2020.
Alex earned her B.S. from Georgetown University with a degree in international politics, where she studied Portuguese, Spanish and Arabic.