Berklee Presents We Will Rise Summit: Black Artists and the Soul of Our Music

Berklee's Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Black History Celebration Committee will present a moving performance celebrating Black artists, reflecting on Black history, and moving towards an empowered future. The virtual Signature Series concert We Will Rise Summit: Black Artists and the Soul of Our Music will take place on Friday, February 26, at 7:30 p.m. ET on the college’s YouTube channel.

Hosted by Simone A. Francis, assistant director of diversity, inclusion, and student engagement, and Prince Charles Alexander, professor in the Music Production and Engineering Department, this event will educate, heal, and empower through words, dance, and music. Featured faculty performers Tia Fuller, Ruka Hatua-Saar White, and Val Jeanty will draw on inspiration from gospel, soul, jazz, and dance, showcasing the talents of Berklee's student community. The concert will also include spoken interludes by Lacretia Johnson Flash, assistant vice president for Diversity and Inclusion, Kenn Brass, professor in the Professional Music Department, and various leaders of Black student groups on campus. 

“It is an honor to be a part of this concert that will mark an important period of reflection, education, and celebration for the larger Berklee community,” said Alexander. “The performance will serve as a testament to the incredible Black creators in our larger institution—dancers, musicians, artists, and activists—all coming together, united in solidarity during Black History Month.”

The concert is part of Berklee's inaugural We Will Rise Summit, which will offer community members the opportunity to engage with the pillars of this year’s Black History Celebrations theme, "Black Legacy and Resilience: Education, Empowerment, and Healing." The summit will take place February 26–27, 2021.

Watch the concert on Berklee's YouTube channel on Friday, February 26, at 7:30 p.m.: