Summer 2020 Collection of Transformative Narratives

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“The Lynching Memorial”

by Kamau Bobb

During a visit to the National Lynching Memorial, Kamau navigates the raw emotion of paying homage to those who have suffered unspeakable violence in our struggle for freedom in America.

^{Music/Sound Design by Zachary Kondak, M.S. Music Technology, Class of 2018}

^{Trigger Warning - This story is deeply personal, emotionally poignant, and may provoke varying degrees of feelings, emotion and/or distress. Please make an informed decision about engaging with this material. Resources to provide support are available.}

^{Keywords:racism, race relations, racial trauma, education, segregation, american history, forgiveness, generational trauma, accountability}

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“American School”

by Kamau Bobb

Kamau examines the omission of Juneteenth from history lessons, and contemplates other fragmented stories and erasures from American history in American schools.

^{Music/Sound Design by Snehesh Nag, M.S. Music Technology, Class of 2020}

^{Keywords:race relations, racial trauma, racism, education, erasure, bias, systemic racism, slavery, american history, black history, stock stories, counter stories}

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“Standing Together”

by Steven Brown

A dad learns the meaning of being an ally to his daughter, his daughter's wife, their friends and a myriad of people around him.

^{Richard Savery, PhD Music Technology, Class of 2021}

^{Keywords:coming out, courage, gay marriage, parental love, LGBTQIA, ally, family}

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“Stuck”

by Cheryl Cofield

Cheryl confronts deeply-rooted fear, her own racial bias, and intra-racial pressure while struggling to dislodge herself from places we all get stuck during personal journeys towards forgiveness and racial reconciliation.

^{Music/Sound Design by Zachary Kondak, M.S. Music Technology, Class of 2018}

^{Keywords:race relations, generational trauma, bias, american history, white fragility, confession, cellular memories, intra-racial pressure, forgiveness, reconciliation, human struggle}

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“You Speak So Well”

by Joscelyn Cooper-Rodriguez

A closer look at the Black experience beyond what is seen in the media. Joscelyn shares her experience of the more subtle daily interactions that impact our identities, self esteem and will to succeed.

^{Music/Sound Design by Snehesh Nag, M.S. Music Technology, Class of 2020}

^{Keywords:race, systemic racism, childhood trauma, identity, denial, acceptance, perception, glass ceiling, expectations, injustice, advantage, success, self-esteem, institutional awareness}

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“I Don't Belong Here”

by Byron Fitch

Byron tells the story of his struggle as a Black man in search of validation in predominately-white, corporate environments, and the discovery of his true calling and God-given purpose.

^{Music/Sound Design by Eamon McCoy, B.S. Music Technology, Class of 2019}

^{Keywords:black man, god, racism, microaggressions, authenticity, talent, purpose, passion, corporate}

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“Fragile No More”

by Vanessa Fulton

Vanessa tells the story of how a Black man’s discomfort in her home during a routine pest inspection propelled her into deeper explorations of white privilege and white fragility, and led her to become a better ally.

^{Music/Sound Design by Richard Savery, PhD Music Technology, Class of 2021}

^{Keywords:race, self-awareness, civil rights movement, white fragility, ally}

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“That August Day”

by Jeff Hallman

A regular summer day changes when a phone call gives a father tectonic news. Jeff chronicles the grief, anguish, self-reflection and healing associated with a family tragedy.

^{Music/Sound Design by Zachary Kondak, M.S. Music Technology, Class of 2018}

^{Keywords:mental health, parental love, death, anguish, empathy, healing, grief, perspectives}

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“Tears in Our Eyes”

by Alan Harrison

Alan tells the story of growing up fearing difference and of pivotal, life-defining lessons he learned when his school was desegregated when he was 6-years-old.

^{Music/Sound Design by Richard Savery, PhD Music Technology, Class of 2021}

^{Keywords:desegregation, race, connection, gendered expectations, wisdom of children, conquering fear}

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“Heart Work”

by Karen Head

Is any job worth your health? Karen shares a story of how she found ways to negotiate rough waters and different cultures, and help others do the same.

^{Music/Sound Design by Richard Savery, PhD Music Technology, Class of 2021}