Remembering Rosa: A Concert For Peace
On December 5th, 2019 the University of Orange’s Music City program organized their annual concert series as a 400 Years of Inequality observance. Remembering Rosa is a free community concert that brings together school choirs, church choirs, civic leaders, neighbors, and residents to celebrate the power of community and music, and to remember and recognize leaders like Rosa Parks, whose shoulders we all stand on.
With remarks and reflections from Orange Mayor Dwayne Warren and local teachers, school administrators, and religious leaders, the concert celebrates the capacity for everyone to be forces of positive change in Orange, NJ. The 400 Years of Inequality statement of observance was read in English, Spanish, and Haitian Kreyol, a representation of the diverse local community. Queen Mother Imakhu led the audience in a libation ceremony, and students spoke about their elementary work engaging with civic responsibility and the 400 Years of Inequality project.
With remarks and reflections from Orange Mayor Dwayne Warren and local teachers, school administrators, and religious leaders, the concert celebrates the capacity for everyone to be forces of positive change in Orange, NJ. The 400 Years of Inequality statement of observance was read in English, Spanish, and Haitian Kreyol, a representation of the diverse local community. Queen Mother Imakhu led the audience in a libation ceremony, and students spoke about their elementary work engaging with civic responsibility and the 400 Years of Inequality project.
This year, a brand new choir - Orange’s Intergenerational Community Choir - was formed with the support of 400 Years of Inequality. (This new choir is already scheduled to perform at a Black History Month concert and a June choral festival in 2020.) Their first performance at Remembering Rosa featured the premiere of an original composition by Dr. Marguax Simmons.
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Photography by Tyree Huey.
