We Will Rise Summit: Black Artists and the Soul of Our Music (Virtual Performance)

Berklee's Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and the Black History Celebration Committee present a virtual performance celebrating Black artists, reflecting on Black history while moving towards an empowered future. Ensemble and Dance Division faculty Tia Fuller, Ruka White, and Val Jeanty will draw on inspiration from gospel, soul, jazz, and dance, showcasing the talents of Berklee's diverse student community.

Along with a host and student speakers, this event will educate, heal, and empower through words, dance, and music. Audience members are invited to attend this free virtual performance featuring the Black artists of today and tomorrow.

Disclaimer: All performers tested negative for COVID-19 directly before the recording and followed Berklee's recommendations to keep our community healthy.

Hosts
Simone Francis: host
Prince Charles Alexander: host

Presenters
Lacretia Flash: Assistant Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion
Kenn Brass: Professor, Professional Music
EduArdo Omondi: President, Berklee African Students Association
Stephon Davis: President, Black Student Alliance
Ariana Stanberry: President, Students of Caribbean Ancestry Club
Marlon Solomon: President, Black Student Union
Morgan Brown: Board Member, Black Student Alliance
Christian Gonzalez: Board Member, Black Student Alliance
Christina Jones: Board Member, Black Student Alliance
Treshor Webster: Board Member, Black Student Alliance
Peli Woods: Board Member, Black Student Alliance
Jordan Pearson: Board Member, Black Student Alliance
Tah-Janay Hayes: Board Member, Black Student Alliance
Raven Jalise: Board Member, Black Student Alliance
Catherine Willingham: MLK Scholarship Recipient

"Black" (V. Jeanty)
Val Jeanty: drummer, turntablist

"Strange Fruit" (D. Fils-Anime)
Choreographer: Ruka White
Dancer: Christian Gonzalez
Director of Photography: Mila Thigpen

Esperanza Spalding Ensemble
"Black Gold" (E. Spalding)
"Still I Rise" (M. Angelou)
"Crowned and Kissed" (E. Spalding)
Tia Fuller: producer, director
Val Jeanty: drummer, turntablist
Zhane Brown: spoken word, trombone
Jemina Brechoire: voice ("Crowned and Kissed")
Erin Vadala: voice ("Black Gold")
Randy Thompson: tenor sax
Miles Thompson: trumpet
Diji Diallo: trumpet
Maxxon Wolski: vibes
Niko Malinowski: guitar
Samuel Bigus: bass
Julian Carpenter: drums

"Lift Every Voice and Sing" (R. Johnson and J. Weldon Johnson)
Sarai Miracle: producer
Amanda Bradshaw: voice, arranger
Lea Grace Hicks Swinson: voice
Brandon Harris: voice
Khaleb Roberts: voice

Marlon Solomon: vo for video bumper

Val Jeanty: music bed for Prince Charles Alexander's introduction
Val Jeanty: improvisation for music bed for Kenn Brass's presentation

Beyoncé: "Black Parade" (instrumental) music bed for Black Student Organizations

Audio for all performances recorded at The Record Company except Jemina Brechoire vocals and "Strange Fruit"

Audio Post-Production
Rodrigo Martins, Andres Gonzalez-Cardona, Isabel Rodriguez

"Lift Every Voice and Sing"
Georgia Parker, Isabel Rodriguez - Recording Engineers
Andres Gonzalez-Cardona - Mixing Engineer

Esperanza Spalding Ensemble
Andres Gonzalez-Cardona, Isabel Rodriguez - Recording Engineers
Rodrigo Martins, Georgia Parker - Assistant Engineers
Andres Gonzalez-Cardona - Mixing Engineer

Val Jeanty
Isabel Rodriguez - Recording Engineer
Andres Gonzalez-Cardona - Mixing Engineer

Kevin Greene: video production
Michael Borgida: video production

Special thanks to the Black History Celebration Committee
Amanda Bedford
Jasmine Parker
Karen Bell
Ruka White
Sean Skeete
Simone Francis
Ty-Juana Flores
Tyren Freeman
Lacretia Flash
Abria Smith
Kenn Brass
Michael Borgida
Mike Mason