Submitted by Linnea Swenson Tellekson: The Racial Justice Network’s Education Committee collaborates with the We Win Institute to provide beautiful books to Black children through We Win When We Read (and any other children who show up). For the rest of July, the Wild Rumpus Book Store in Linden Hills Minneapolis is making it really easy…

Submitted by board member Kris Kautzman: Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate is a Chickasaw classical composer and pianist from Norman, Oklahoma, who expresses his native culture in symphonic music, ballet and opera. His work, which always authentically centers native peoples and cultures, has been performed around the world. I first met Jerod during his 3-year “Music Alive” residency with the South Dakota Symphony.…

From MSO Board Member Kris Kautzman:A couple years ago I had the honor to connect with of Castle of Our Skins, a Boston-based concert and educational organization dedicated to celebrating Black artistry through music. From classrooms to concert halls, COOS invites cultural curiosity and exploration into ​Black heritage and culture, spotlighting both unsung and celebrated ​figures of…

From Racial Equity Committee Co-Chair Christine Melchert:This week we take an in-depth look at Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, founded ten years ago and directed by Jeri Lynn Johnson in Philadelphia. Ms. Johnson has embedded diversity, equity, inclusion, and excellence into her orchestra from the start. Black Pearl’s mission is “to take the audience beyond spectatorship to participation…