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Race Equity – What is Antiracism and Why is it Important to Orchestras?

Racism is present and powerful in American society today. While many of us who are White may believe that the overt racism of the slavery and “separate but equal” eras is behind us, those of us who are of color know that it is not. The racism of history bleeds through to the present, whether conscious or not, and exists in the very structures of our society–including orchestras. In order to overcome this history, we must all be consciously and internationally antiracist.  

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Antiracism Definitions and Context

A click-through summary outlining the need and value of antiracism work, key terms and definitions, and the history of systematic racism in orchestras.
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Learn Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

September 30, 2020

Building a Race Equity Culture in Classical Music Organizations

In this 90-minute webinar, Kerrien Suarez introduces the Race Equity Cycle, a framework designed to support leaders as they build and expand their organization’s capacity to advance race equity.

Learn Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

June 4, 2020

Conference 2020: Anti-Black Racism and American Orchestras

Aaron Flagg, D.M.A., Chair of the League’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee and Chair and Associate Director, Juilliard Jazz Studies Program, lead this session that explores racism’s connection to orchestras, what orchestras can do about it, and how the League’s EDI Committee is engaging with and learning about racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Flagg was joined by members of the League’s EDI Committee of the Board.

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Why is American Classical Music So White?  

An interview with cultural historian Joseph Horowitz about a series of missed opportunities for American classical music to embrace African American music in the late 19th century. 

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ArtEquity 

A national initiative launched in 2015 that provides tools, resources, and training at the intersection of art and activism. 

People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond 

A national, multiracial, anti-racist collective of organizers and educators that is dedicated to building a movement for social transformation and undoing racism and other forms of oppression. 

The Nova Collection 

Nova provides learning programs, strategic consulting, content creation, and ongoing support to EDI and supplier diversity professionals. 

ARC 

The Anti-Racism Collaborative is a multi-racial collective of anti-oppression educators and activists committed to supporting the movement for racial justice and equity. 

Crossroads 

Crossroads is committed to antiracism organizing and training by partnering with organizations and institutions to dismantle systemic racism. 

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Thank you for your interest in the League of American Orchestras! We are dedicated to advancing the orchestral experience for all.

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