CELEBRATING BLACKNESS AT CARNEGIE HALL: PRIDE, MUSIC, AND COMMUNITY
On the evening of June 6th, 2024, I found myself among the audience of the Music Educator’s Workshop at Carnegie Hall, wholly unprepared for the historical and electrifying musical journey that awaited me — a vibrant celebration of both music and pride from the heart of New York City.
What began as a spontaneous decision to support a friend in the arts blossomed into a profound sense of belonging and community within the walls of Carnegie Hall. Music educators and teachers from across New York City converged to share their stories, passions, and inspirations, all underscored by a common theme: innovation.
Innovation manifested in the classroom, in professional settings, and, notably, in the narratives we, as artists, weave—the same fervor with which a composer crafts late-night melodies, breathing life into their compositions with each note and harmony, a constant expression of creativity.
The Music Educator’s Workshop (MEW) marked its 10th anniversary with four ensemble groups, each representing a distinct facet of musical innovation: a modern creative ensemble, a spirited jazz band, a string orchestra conducted by Yoon Jae Lee, and finishing off with an impressive 40-person choir ensemble. Over the course of nine months, these groups came together to practice and share a collective understanding of music and teaching as vehicles for innovation.
ERIC WILLIAMSON BY Radhika Chalasani
Skye Arnold, one of the impassioned soloists of the evening, reminded us that MEW transcended beyond just teaching and playing music; it was about fostering a shared humanity and creating space for learning, expression, and collaboration. Embracing diversity as its ethos, each ensemble was enriched by a tapestry of perspectives and backgrounds among its musicians and conductors.
Amidst the stellar performances of the night shone a beacon of unparalleled brilliance: Eric Williamson, conductor of the MEW Choir Ensemble, former conductor of the Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Youth Chorus, and current choir teacher of PS32 located in Brooklyn, NYC. Williamson commenced the performance by dedicating it to the dual observance of Pride Month and Black Music Month, before leading the ensemble through a four-song setlist. Each piece, composed by esteemed black female composers such as Undine Smith Moore, Alysia Lee, Diane L. White-Clayton, and Tehillah Alphonso, resonated with a vitality that filled the hall with energy and significance made aware to all present.
With every note, Williamson and the Choir Ensemble illuminated the richness and diversity of black musical heritage, transcending boundaries and forging connections that reverberated deeply within the audience. Their performance served as a neccesary reminder of the invaluable contributions of black musicians to the cultural tapestry of humanity, leaving a lasting imprint on all fortunate enough to witness it.
Eric Williamson’s advocacy extends beyond the realm of music; he is a vocal champion for social justice and equality. Whether combating anti-blackness in education or uplifting LGBTQIA+ students and educators through music and community engagement, Williamson's unwavering commitment to advocacy is matched only by his remarkable talent as a conductor and musician. In his roles as the ADEI (Access, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Chair for the New York Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association, Artistic Director of Lavender Light; the Black and People of All Colors LGBTQ+ Gospel Choir, and National Facilitator for the Human Rights Campaign, Williamson epitomizes the transformative power of music as a catalyst for unity and social change. In a world often marred by division and inequality, Eric Williamson stands as a beacon of hope, his dedication to amplifying marginalized voices and fostering empathy serving as a testament to the profound impact that art can have on society.
The repertoire chosen by Eric Williamson and the Choir Ensemble was nothing short of extraordinary, each piece resonating with its unique message and emotion. "I, Too," composed by Undine Smith Moore and inspired by the powerful words of Langston Hughes, spoke to the resilience and dignity of black Americans throughout history—a stirring reminder of the enduring spirit of perseverance. Hughes, a influential figure of the Harlem Renaissance, penned this poem as a defiant assertion of identity and equality in the face of systemic oppression.
PHOTO VIA ERIC WILLIAMSON’S INSTAGRAM
"Say Her Name" by Alysia Lee stood as a profound tribute to the lives lost to violence and brutality within the black community, demanding recognition and justice in a world too often indifferent to their struggles. The piece serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring the names and stories of those whose lives have been unjustly taken.
"Clap Praise" by Diane L. White-Clayton infused the concert hall with an infectious energy, inviting the audience to join in the celebration and unity of the moment—a testament to the joy and vitality of black musical traditions.
And finally, "A Deeper Love" composed by Tehillah Alphonso, brought the night to a stirring close, the soulful anthem echoing in our hearts long after the final notes had faded away—a reminder of the enduring power of love to transcend boundaries and uplift us all. Originally by the legendary Aretha Franklin and released in 1993, this iconic song became a symbol of empowerment and resilience, with Franklin's powerful vocals capturing the essence of love's transformative force.
As we carry the melodies of these songs with us, let us also carry their messages of resilience, justice, celebration, and love into the world. In the harmonies we share and the stories we tell, may we continue to strive for a future where every voice is heard, every life is valued, and every heart is filled with a deeper love.
Williamson leading the MEW Chorus Ensemble through the 4 song set-list on Saturday, June 6th via Williamson's TikTok Account
As the echoes of the evening's performances lingered in the air, I couldn't help but feel a reawakened sense of hope and possibility. In a world often torn apart with division and discord, events like the Music Educator’s Workshop and artists like Eric Williamson remind us of the transformative power of music—the ability to bridge gaps, spark conversations, and foster empathy.
As we left Carnegie Hall that night, I carried with me not only memories of exceptional performances but also a profound belief in the capacity of music to inspire positive change and a sense of pride within blackness and my own queer identity. In the spirit of Eric Williamson and countless other advocates for social justice, let us continue to raise our voices, stand up for our beliefs, and create spaces where all are welcomed, valued, and celebrated.
With every note sung and every chord struck, may we move closer to a world where diversity is celebrated, equality is upheld, and music serves as a universal language of hope and understanding.
Williamson leading his PS32 chorus through The Greatest Love by Whitney Houston, Welcome to NY by Taylor Swift, Let There Be Peace arranged by Mark Hayes, Sing a Song by Earth, Wind, and Fire, and finally We Found Love by Rihanna for their Spring 2024 concert via Williamson's TikTok Account
