By Antranette Scott, Peoples’ Assembly Organizer
On April 7, the Community Sing, headed by Wendi Moore-O’Neal, hosted a weekend of events that featured Dr. Ysaye Maria Barnwell. The weekend started with a welcoming dinner for Dr. Barnwell. Wendi and The Heart Team broke bread and fellowshipped with Dr. Barnwell; sharing the work that various members of the Heart Team and each individual’s passion for our collective liberation from white supremacy and freedom for all people in the city of New Orleans and around the globe.
The Community Sings acts as a bridge between the front lines of struggle and a way to recharge and energize ourselves for the work ahead. By focusing on songs of struggle, liberation, and freedom, we connect the past with our present day fight. These songs give us a type of technology that can be used to flex our collaborative muscles, practice intentional vulnerability, and realize that there is no safe space, only spaces that we step into courageously.
On Saturday, at the White Buffalo Community Center (CORE USA), Wendi and Dr. Barnwell lead a workshop centered on Singing in the African American Tradition and Organic Harmonizing. Voices were lifted and attendees were given a sweet sample of the power of communal sound. Black Swan Food Experience prepared a lunch that fed everyone body and soul. After lunch attendees worked with a song written by local freedom fighter and songwriter Rodneka Shelbia “I Am the Prize”. By utilizing her phenomenal understanding of sound, Dr. Barnwell transformed the community singers in ways they had never imagined and brought out the power of Rodneka’s song in new ways.
Later that evening Dr. Barnwell closed out Tulane’s “What is the Sound of Freedom?” concert. Dr. Barnwell was joined by Dr. Courtney Bryan, Dr. Tyshawn Sorey, as well as William and Patricia Parker.
The highlight of her visit, was when Dr. Barnwell led a Community Sing held at Southern University’s Dr. Millie Charles Building of Social Work. Over 200 folks were in attendance to learn of Spirituals as Storytellers. Dr. Barnwell harvested the power of our vocal community and truly transformed the space. The Peoples’ Assembly presented a call to action for equity and equality of the working class people of New Orleans by recognizing we have to wage relentless struggle against symbols and systems of oppression.
We are forever grateful to Dr. Barnwell for answering the call and sharing her knowledge with the Community Sing. Also thank you to Wendi Moore-O’Neal, Jaliyah Consulting and The Heart Team.