Say It Loud

Black Artist Collective holds event to highlight local talent

By Kamal Morgan

“The blueprint of these United States is in the scars on the backs of slaves,” poignantly performed by Syracuse alumna Kayla Skipper who recited her newest poem “Black Skin” during the Say It Loud! artist showcase organized by the Black Artist Collective (BAC) and live-streamed on Zoom and Facebook Live from the Community Folk Art Center.

The “Say It Loud” event is named after James Brown’s 1968 song “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud.” The event, which closed out celebrations for Back History Month, was organized to affirm Blackness through the performances of Black artists, creators, crafters and makers who hail from Syracuse.

All donations collected by the BAC during the event went to the performers. “We believe that all artists should be paid,” said event host Jaleel Campbell.  

The Adanfo Ensemble, which consists of musicians and dancers, was the first act to perform. The group was founded in 2003 by David Etse Nyadedzor, a Ghanian musician who became the first director and choreographer of West African and Dance Ensemble at Syracuse University.

The singing ensemble KJ and Lolo Music, consisting of Campbell, Lauren Ligon and Kiara Johnson started its performance by singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and then performed a song from its upcoming album.

The group CAMM, an acronym of the four women’s first names, is comprised of Cathy Butler, Alice Queen, Michele Lindor and Martikah Williams, performed “Four Women” by Nina Simone. CAMM sings a variety of music genres including R&B and gospel, while also participating in social justice work locally.

The night was also highlighted by “Tavares Lewis, aka Sparkle Royale, a spoken word artist and dancer, recited the poem “Angry Black Woman” by Porsha Olayiwola then performed a choreographed dance to a mashup of Beyonce songs including “Baby Boy” and “Single Ladies.”

BAC helps promote and push for Black and brown artists in the Syracuse area with resources and provides support financially, educationally, through networking and informational sessions. Core members of BAC include co-founders Cjala Surratt and Campbell, along with Martikah Williams, Olom and Qiana Williams. The group was created last summer from the result of the uprisings happening around the country especially Syracuse in response to police brutality. 

Later this month, The Creators Lounge and BAC in partnership with The Mercantile Market will host the Black Creatives & Culture Market, a weekend-long event featuring 10 Black creatives and Black-owned businesses including All Things Lushious, Amaranth Press & Bindery, The Black Citizens Brigade Vtng. Clothing Co., ThasRed Home Decor, 210 Teas, Mastermind Urban Wear and more. All are welcome to shop and discover local Black artists during the COVID-19-safe market slated to be held from noon to 5 p.m. March 20 and 21.

“Black history is American history that we should celebrate every month,” Surratt said.

Kamal Morgan is an intern for The Stand and a Newhouse School graduate student