Welcome to Jabulani

 

Dr. Emmett G. Price, III standing on the stage dressed in white African attire

Over the past few years our students, whether undergraduate or graduate, College or Conservatory, have faced situations that have challenged each to the core. From the vicious murder of George Floyd to the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, from discrimination while abroad to local micro and macro-aggressions on campus, each of our students has had to face obstacles that were unpredictable and unfathomable. Over the many generations of our presence, we have always leveraged our voices and our bodies to proclaim the ever-present refrain, “Black Lives Matter!”

Now, as we reach the end of the 2023–2024 academic year, we stand together to rejoice in the individual and collective academic and artistic achievements of our African, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latinx, Black, and African American graduates. Jabulani!

Jabulani was envisioned by two Black graduating seniors, Alanna Underwood (vocal performance, College, 2019) and Crislin Williams-Womack (dance, Conservatory, 2019). Underwood and Williams-Womack together endeavored

Group of African American students, faculty and staff posing for a group picture on the stage all dressed in African clothing

 to create a culminating “rite of passage” experience grounded in an African aesthetic that equally represented the creative excellence of their Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee education. This year, we continue the tradition as a beloved community of elders, mentors, and graduating siblings. It is our privilege as the Africana Studies Division to produce and host Jabulani 2024. Rejoice!

With great excitement, admiration and respect,


Emmett G. Price III, Ph.D.
Dean, Africana Studies

Enjoy these photos from Jabulani 2023

Jabulani 2024
Friday, May 10, 2024
10:00 a.m.
Boston Conservatory Main Stage
31 Hemenway, Boston, MA 02215

Graduating students of African descent can register by March 1, 2024

For more information email africanastudies@berklee.edu or Tracy Gibbs tgibbs@berklee.edu

Enjoy photos from Jabulani 2019, 2022