Recapping SBF 2023
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
The SONGS OF BLACK FOLK returned for a second year after a truly magical debut two years ago before a mesmerized audience of more than 1,800. Songs of Black Folk took the stage of Seattle's Iconic Paramount Theatre on Sunday evening June 18th, at 7:00 pm.
SONGS OF BLACK FOLK 2023 once again presented a music tradition that began on the African continent and was transported to the Americas, via slave ships, and took root in the daily sufferings of an enslaved Black people who chose to survive and who fought to be free. This Concert featured the rise of the Negro Spirituals and demonstrate how they have evolved into other Black musical genres including, blues, Gospel, jazz, R&B, Hip-Hop, and even spoken word.
Importantly, the audience was shown how Black musical culture has functioned as both a tool of resistance and as a powerful source of hope for a Black people who have endured four centuries of white supremacy and its relentless assault on Black lives. Ultimately, the intent of SBF is to use music to connect the African American struggle for freedom, justice, dignity, and happiness with the struggles of other Americans who have had to fight their way from the margins of American society into the mainstream.
The SBF Outstanding Public Service Awards are intended to highlight and encourage the “next” generation of transformative servant leaders in the following five categories:
The Norman B. Rice
Community Development and Public Service Award
Presented to:
Girmay Zahilay
King County Councilmember
The Trish Millines Dziko
Diversity in Technology Award
Presented to:
Michael Pamphlet
Director of Academy Strategy & Design at Year Up
The Patrinell Wright
Excellence in the Performing
Arts Award
Presented to:
Josephine Howell
Leading Northwest Vocal Artist
The Maxine Mimms
Educational Empowerment Award
Presented to:
Dr. Maxine Mimms
Educator/School Founder
The Lyle Quasim
Social Justice & Activism Award
Presented to:
Lyle Quasim
Secretary WA State DSHS (Retired)
Artistic Director and conductor
Ramón Bryant Braxton
The Artistic Director, Orchestra Conductor, and Choir Director
Maestro Ramón Bryant Braxton returns for a second year as the Artistic Director and Conductor for SONGS OF BLACK FOLK 2023. A native of Tacoma, Braxton is a product of the Black Church and the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) experience.
Featured Performers & PRESENTERS
Darin Atwater
James Connor
Soloman Howard
Crystal Aikin
Jacqueline Echols
Josephine Howell
The Choir
Orchestra & Rhythm Section
The Emcees
Special Greetings
Thank you for taking this journey through music at the historical Paramount Theatre