AllySHIFT™ Episode 3:The Moment for the Movement

Dear Friends and fellow Allies,

It was truly such a wonderful day, seeing everyone come together to participate and engage with both the AllySHIFT message, and each other.

I’d like to take this moment to thank our speakers Pastor Margarette Ouji and Aliyah Powell. Pastor Margarette for their lovely opening remarks and support behind the scenes and Aliyah, for her wonderful Connect Card workshop. Through her guidance, everyone was able to come together and be open with one another.

I also want to thank our event planner Deonté Griffin-Quick. His professionalism and expertise made so much of Episode 3 possible, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work with him. Finally, a very special thank you to Shontelle Mixon for moderating our discussion after viewing the award winning film "Beyond Their Years".

To all of our attendees and donors, we are incredibly grateful for your generosity, love and presence on such a special occasion. Your continued support, both in person and online make events like this possible.

With a heart full of gratitude, once again Thank You and God Bless You!

A Special Announcement...

I am thrilled to share some exciting news with the AllySHIFT™ community. I have been appointed as the new Board Chair of the Chicago Sinfonietta. I am honored to begin this new role at an organization that truly exemplifies excellence and inclusion. Chicago Sinfonietta’s 2025-26 season begins in October, and features five subscription programs, free Music Mondays at Chicago Public Libraries, the Freeman Fellowship program, monthly community performances, and much more. I hope you will join us for a truly inspiring season.

More information about the Chicago Sinfonietta can be found here.

Upcoming: Chicago Sinfonietta's Soundscape Concert on May 3rd

Good Day Chicago Courtesy of www.fox32chicago.com

Sports Edition with Kenny McReynolds Courtesy of wciu.com

Recently, I had the opportunity to appear on Good Day Chicago and also speak with Kenny McReynolds from Sports Edition, about Chicago Sinfonietta's upcoming fundraiser, the Soundscape Gala. The Gala will be on May 3rd at the Epiphany Center for the Arts in Chicago, IL. Chicago Sinfonietta serves as a shining example of inclusion and diversity in classical music. It's dedicated to showcasing orchestral talents that are often underrepresented. Chicago Sinfonietta has featured more than 50% composers of color in their programs over the last decade, highlighting their goal to broaden representation in the genre.

The Soundscape Gala on May 3rd will showcase a variety of compositions blending genres and cultural sounds. Picture classical undertones intertwining with elements of world music.

Chicago Sinfonietta is dedicated to community engagement by fostering relationships with local organizations and schools to make classical music more accessible, collaborative, and innovative.

The evening of May 3rd will offer a remarkable experience you won't want to miss. The Soundscape Gala promises to engage audiences with captivating performances that reflect the spirit of Chicago's vibrant community.

Tickets are available through the Chicago Sinfonietta's official website , also your generous donations are greatly appreciated.

Check out my segment on Good Day Chicago here and my interview with Kenny McReynolds here.