Across The Waters: Songs of Memory and Migration
Àkójọpọ̀ and Hearing in Color welcome you to Across the Waters: Songs of Memory and Migration, a vocal chamber concert that explores the historical and cultural significance of Black American art songs and spirituals, and their connections to Pan-African art music. Through performance, education, and dialogue, this program reflects on the themes of water, memory, identity, and migration.
Àkójọpọ̀ promotes music education and artistic expression for historically marginalized communities, especially Black and African communities, by providing equitable access to Pan-African musical traditions in Chicago and across the globe.
Together, Àkójọpọ̀ and Hearing in Color invite you to experience this powerful and reflective musical journey.
September 20, 2025 8:00pm
Pre-Concert Panel Discussion 7:00pm
Queen of Apostles Church
2330 W Sunnyside Ave
Chicago IL, 60625
Featured Artists
Nyandeng Juag, mezzo-soprano
Tiana Sorenson, soprano
Chiemerie Obianom, tenor
Daniel Ozioma, bass-baritone
Anthony Jones, tenor
Tony Moaton, tenor
Wole Akanni Duro-Ladipo, talking drum
Owele Segun, Flute
John Bitoy, piano
Charting the Future of Hearing in Color with Innovative Collaborations and Grant-Fueled Growth
After a very successful presentation of our very first full season in the Fall of 2023, Hearing in Color has been working strategically to enhance our ability to be a responsible community funded and collaborative non profit organization. Though our public programming has quieted, we have been engaged in intense strategic planning programs through grant opportunities that will chart the future of Hearing in Color.
As we reflect on the growth made possible through these opportunities, we’re eagerly preparing for 2025—a year that promises to be filled with impactful programming, new partnerships, and vibrant celebrations of artistry. We’re excited to share this next chapter with you and deeply appreciate your continued support in helping us achieve our mission.
2024 Grant Programs
Enrich Chicago (Just Praxis Circle Imagine Just)
The IJ Community-Advised Fund (CAF), collaboratively stewarded by Enrich Chicago and BIPOC artists from across our ecosystem, was established to address the needs of artists, organizations and collectives that are often overlooked and unrecognized by more traditional funders. Recipients of this award receive a $5,000.00 unrestricted gift to sustain their organization/collective. Beyond financial support, the IJ Community-Advised Fund aims to sustain a community of care for BIPOC arts leaders and culture workers. Groups/organizations that are funded also form part of the Just Praxis Circle, a space for community care, accountability and healing for BIPOC culture workers and artists. The Just Praxis Circle is a collectively-led peer space that meets monthly for one year and will culminate in a community celebration of learning. Members of the Just Praxis Circle will lead the subsequent peer-review process for 2025 grantees.
New Music, Inc. Chicago
New Music Inc. is an incubator program which helps small-budget, artist-led new music organizations to generate new ideas, strategies and collaborations at pivotal stages in the group or collective’s development. The program provides an $8,000.00 grant, hands-on skill building workshops and professional development over 18-months, and mentorship with professional arts leaders in Chicago. Since April 2023, Hearing in Color has been engaged with this intensive work along with incredible and impactful artistic organizations across the Chicagoland area.