Negro Spirituals are iconic in the classic American songbook and have been widely used in performances, concerts and worship services for more than 150 years. The words and melodies have been woven into countless compositions for all of us to enjoy. But at what cost? These songs born out of the cauldron of slavery have provided little if any monetary compensation to those who created them or their descendants. Is it appropriate for us to use this music today? What is our moral responsibility? In this webinar, we will explore what two congregations have done to address this issue and what you and your congregation can do. Join a panel discussion with these guests: Susan DeSelms – Minister of Music at United Parish at Brookline, MA Adam Waite – Minister of Music at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church in Denver, Colorado Dr. Emmett G. Price III – Dean of Africana Studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston and Visiting Associate Professor of Music at Harvard University James Boratko – Moderator This is a timely topic that received national media attention, including a story by National Public Radio featuring our three guests and a report on MSNBC that included Susan DeSelms. We are honored to offer their expertise to you.

More than just a spiritual place, the Black Church in America is also the source of much of Black culture and the wellspring of political activism. The Church is the energy that fuels Black businesses and gave rise to Black educational institutions. The Church over centuries in America has given Black people a sense of value and belonging. Callie Crossley, host of Under the Radar with Callie Crossley, and Basic Black and GBH commentator, hosts a virtual conversation with Rev. Dr. Theodore Hickman-Maynard, Rev. Dr. Yolanda Pierce, Rev. Dr. Irene Monroe, and Rev. Dr. Emmett G. Price, III on the evolution of the Black church in Boston and the U.S., the role of women in the church over time and the political activism that has always had roots in the church community. This virtual live event expands upon themes presented in a new, upcoming documentary series by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song is a four-hour documentary exploring 400 years of the Black Church in America and its impact as a living institution within American culture. The series addresses the social, educational, financial, cultural and political role the Black Church has played in the lives of generations of African Americans. Major corporate support for the documentary series is provided by Johnson & Johnson. Major support is also provided by Lilly Endowment Inc., Ford Foundation, and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, PBS and public television viewers. Resources The Black Church: This is our Story, This is Our Song on PBS. https://www.pbs.org/show/black-church/ Hear the latest episode of Under the Radar with Callie Crossley https://www.wgbh.org/news/under-the-radar-with-callie-crossley Listen to the All Rev’d Up Podcast https://www.wgbh.org/podcast/all-revd-up “The Black Church and Hip Hop Culture—Toward Bridging the Generational Divide,” Edited by Emmett G. Price III, January 2012 http://www.emmettprice.com/documents/PressRelease-TheBlackChurchandHipHopCulture..pdf “In the Key of Queer: Gospel music is a calling, a gift from Black LGBTQ musicians’ hearts and souls” by Rev. Irene Monroe. Feb. 7, 2021 http://bostonspiritmagazine.com/2021/02/in-the-key-of-queer-gospel-music-is-a-calling-a-gift-from-black-lgbtq-musicians-hearts-and-souls/

On May 15, 2020, Maestro Christopher Wilkins had a live conversation with Dr. Diane White-Clayton, Dr. Emmett G. Price III, and Dr. Roland Carter. As several leading voices in the world of choral music, the trio have a particular focus on spirituals and African-American church music. Landmarks has commissioned a new piece from "Dr. Dee” based on Dr. Carter’s celebrated arrangement of the spiritual “In Bright Mansions Above.” Noted music scholar, minister, and radio personality Dr. Price led the conversation. To learn more about Boston Landmarks Orchestra, please visit https://www.landmarksorchestra.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LandmarksOrch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landmarksorch/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/landmarksorch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boston-landmarks-orchestra

Dr. Emmett Price will continue our multi-part series on the evolving language of race and some of the challenges it presents. Follow Vision New England: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visionnewengland Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisionNewEngland Website: visionnewengland.org