
Recapping SBF 2024



2024 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
SONGS OF BLACK FOLK returned even bigger, bolder, and grander for its 2024 production on Sunday evening June 22nd, at 7:00 pm at the iconic McCaw Hall at The Seattle Center.
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SONGS OF BLACK FOLK 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. SBF will feature the rise of the Negro Spirituals and their evolution into other Black musical genres including, blues, jazz, Gospel, R&B, Hip-Hop, and even spoken word.
The SONGS OF BLACK FOLK audience experienced how Black music functions as both a tool of political resistance and as a potent source of hope for a Black people who have endured four centuries of white supremacy and its relentless assault on Black lives. Ultimately, the SBF experience will connect the African American struggle for freedom, justice, dignity, and happiness with the struggles of other American communities 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:
Joye Hardiman

The Trish Millines Dziko
Diversity in Technology Award
Presented to:
Yolanda Barton

The Patrinell Wright
Excellence in the Performing
Arts Award
Presented to:
Nate Jackson

The Maxine Mimms
Educational Empowerment Award
Presented to:
Sharonne Navas

The Lyle Quasim
Social Justice & Activism Award
Presented to:
OmarI Salisbury

Artistic Director and conductor

Ramón Bryant Braxton
The Artistic Director, Orchestra Conductor, and Choir Director
Maestro Ramón Bryant Braxton returns for a third year as the Artistic Director and Conductor for SONGS OF BLACK FOLK 2023 & 2024. A native of Tacoma, Braxton is a product of the Black Church and the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) experience.
Featured Performers & PRESENTERS

John Stoddart

BRANDIE SUTTON

CRYSTAL AIKIN

ZHANEA JUNE

BRIA MANAWAY

KENISHA BLACKMAN

CHANDLER WILLIAMS

Reverend Dr. James Alexander Forbes, Jr.

TIA NACHE

Rev. Dr. Robert Jeffrey, Sr.

The Choir

Orchestra & Rhythm Section

The Emcees

Special Greetings



THE ALBUM IS HERE!
Secure your piece of history by pre-ordering our exclusive vinyl album, Songs of Black Folk: Music of Resistance & Hope. Available for a limited time only, don't miss out—reserve your copy today before it's gone. This unique memorabilia is a must-have for your personal collection. Visit our online store now to place your order, and explore other specially designed merchandise!

Thank you for taking this journey through music at the historical Paramount Theatre