Exploring Race and Justice in America through Artistic Expression
October 22 – 26, 2022
Healing & Understanding utilizes music and artistic expression as a method to explore race and justice in America. The festival invites open conversation and exploration of these issues through artistic expression, conversation and significant community partnerships. The festival took place October 22-26, 2022.
The festival style music program Healing & Understanding: We Are One was a collaborative project between the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra and Thomas More University music program as well as community partners such as the Cincinnati Youth Choir, Cincinnati Boychoir, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s Classical Roots Community Chorus, MUSE, Voices of Hartford, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, ArtsWave, and more.
Visual Artist-in-Residence Michael Thompson created a work over the five-day festival that was revealed at the final event. It will be displayed at various sites TBD.
Led by Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra Assistant Conductor, Daniel Parsley
This event was made possible by American Rescue Plan funds from the City of Cincinnati, administered through ArtsWave.
Untold: Mary Lou Williams
Musicologist Tammy Kernodle presents a conversation on the music and untold stories of composer Mary Lou Williams.
Saturday October 22, 2022 | Art Academy of Cincinnati | 12:30 PM | Lecture
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Self-Guided Tours
Self guided tours of the Freedom Center will be complemented by pop-up performances at various locations in the NURFC by partner organizations, including Thomas More University Choirs, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Cincinnati Boychoir, Cincinnati Youth Choir, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s Classical Roots Community Chorus, MUSE, and Voices of Hartford.
Sunday October 23, 2022 | National Underground Railroad Freedom Center | 6:30 - 9:30 PM | Concerts
Two Sides of the Same Coin: Socially Conscious Repertoire
Composer B.E. Boykin and conductor Jason Alexander Holmes will lead a conversation on the integration of social justice for music in the classroom, concert hall, and community. Teachers of all grade levels are especially invited to join this session.
Tuesday 25, 2022 | Online | 3:30 PM | Lecture
FESTIVAL EVENTS
Accelerating Music
Miles Wilson-Toliver, Artistic Director for the Voices of Hartford, and Kick Lee, Executive Director for the Cincinnati Music Accelerator provide a conversation on equitable training and community support for professional musicians.
Saturday October 22, 2022 | Art Academy of Cincinnati | 3:30 PM | Lecture
Equitable Access and Engagement for Our Youth
Arreon A. Harley-Emerson, President and CEO for Equity Sings and Chair of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Diversity Initiatives Committee, shares a conversation on equitable access and engagement of our youth for careers in the arts. Arreon's appearance is sponsored by the American Choral Directors Association.
Monday October 24, 2022 | Art Academy of Cincinnati | 12:00 PM | Lecture
Black Joy
Tiffany Cooper and Jason Holmes will engage in a discussion and present online about “Black Joy” in the arts. Tiffany has worked for over 15 years in various community engagement roles has spearheaded initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Saturday October 22, 2022 | Online | 5:30 PM | Lecture
Equity, Community, and Inclusion in the Arts
A conversation on equity, community, and inclusion in the art will be led by acclaimed Harvard University vocal artist in residence and Artistic Director for the Voices of Hartford, Miles Wilson-Toliver. The Voices of Hartford provides a short performances throughout the the conversation.
Monday October 24, 2022 | Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge | 7:30 PM | Lecture/Performances
We Are One
A culminating performance including all organizations will feature works by several contemporary Black composers, including Alysia Lee: Say Her Name; George Walker: Lyric for Strings; Joel Thompson: Seven Last Words of the Unarmed; and Rosephanye Powell: Cry of Jeremiah. Visual Artist-in-Residence Michael Thompson culminating work created over the five days will be revealed at the end of the concert.
Wednesday October 26, | Christ Church Cathedral | 7:30pm | Concert