I’m somewhere in between Juneteenth and Independence Day. I feel fiercely American. I feel fiercely Black. Balancing various aspects of my identity is challenging. While I’m finally proud of who I am and where I come from, I am still learning to live authentically and humbly in community with other Americans who are both the same and different from me. In other words, I’m still trying to “do the work.” I inhabit creative spheres where ADEIB and social justice are at the forefront of our consciouness – where we often talk about “doing the work,” which means…well what does it mean??
I asked Perplexity, a conversational search engine, to define “doing the work.” Here’s what it said:
“The phrase “doing the work” is often used in personal development, professional growth, and social justice contexts. It generally refers to the process of putting in effort, time, and energy to achieve a goal, improve oneself, or address important issues…The key aspect of ‘doing the work’ is that it often involves challenging oneself, facing uncomfortable truths, and making consistent efforts over time. It’s about taking active steps towards growth and improvement rather than passively hoping for change. This phrase emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and commitment in achieving meaningful progress in various aspects of life.”
Welp…there you have it.
Soundcloud Song of the Month
Veni Sancte Spiritus
by Zanaida Stewart Robles
I guess you could call it my best seller!
Listen to Veni Sancte Spiritus by on #SoundCloud
Composition
My piece “Once I filled My Hand With Mist” in the Out From the Shadows Series with Gentry Publications, edited by Marques L. A. Garrett and James Green, is here!
Check out the video below, or…
Conducting
🎶 Join the ZSR Choir Intensive! 🎶
Are you a singer aged 15+? Take part in an intergenerational summer choir experience that will:
✨ Sharpen your choral skills
✨ Serve your community
✨ Rediscover your love for choral music
✨ Engage spiritually and culturally through music
FEATURING: Musical Selections from “Songs of Ascent” by Shawn Kirchner
Program Fee: $100 (Suggested Donation)
Proceeds benefit Neighborhood Church Music Programs
📅 Dates:
Aug 5, 6, 7, & 8: 7:15 – 9:15 PM Piano Rehearsals
Aug 10: 10 AM – 12:30 PM Dress Rehearsal
Aug 11: 9 AM CALL, 10 AM Church Service
📍 Performance Location:
Neighborhood UU Church
301 N. Orange Grove Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91103
🎤 Limited to 50 singers! 🎤
🗓️ REGISTRATION DEADLINE: July 22, 2024
Register now and be part of something special! 🌟
For Fun
Welcome to summer!
