Black Excellence Gala

 Patty Birch, assistant dean for intercultural education, and the Harambee House hosted the annual Black Excellence Gala on Friday, Feb. 16 in the Alumnae Ballroom. The Harambee Singers commenced the event by performing various harmonies, and a dinner catered by Nzuko — a Caribbean and Mediterranean fusion restaurant — followed. The main event of the night was the keynote speech from Aziza Yasin Esq. ’94. The 2022 recipient of WCAA Sed Ministrare Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service and 2023 alumna recipient of the Black Excellence Award delivered a speech on black excellence that revolved around Maya Angelou’s poem “Phenomenal Woman.” Dean Birch then announced three awardees of the event, with one being Linda Brown-San Martin ’70, director of the Harambee Singers. The event concluded with singing and dancing among the choir and audience.

Jordan Lecture – Michael Abels

The Jordan Lecture featuring composer and arranger Michael Abels took place on Thursday, Feb. 15 in Tishman Commons. Titled “Finding Miracles: One Artist’s Social Justice Journey in a Capitalistic World,” the lecture illuminated how Abels has navigated his life as an artist, educator and learner. Abels talked about how his queer and biracial identity has influenced his multi-genre music, how to combine art with entrepreneurship, and above all, how to take calculated risks while following one’s desires. At the end of the lecture, audience members had a chance to ask Abels about his process of composing the soundtracks for Jordan Peele’s Get Out and Nope, his relationship with inspiration, and his advice for young artists.