BLAC
News and Events
Amplifying voices. Investing in community.
BLAC is committed to a wide range of community programming throughout the country, including performances, events, outreach, and masterclasses.
Interested in bringing BLAC artists and leaders to a city or university near you? Contact us to learn more.
Read on to explore our recent and upcoming community events.
George Shirley Vocal Competition
The Black Leadership Arts Collective proudly congratulates the two recipients of the BLAC Prizes at the 2026 George Shirley Vocal Competition! Phoenix Miranda and Modestina Call earned these special awards in recognition of outstanding performances of works by acclaimed composer Rosephanye Powell, whose music continues to inspire singers and audiences around the world.
We celebrate these exceptional artists for their musical excellence, artistry, and commitment to bringing the works of living Black composers to life. Your performances honored the spirit, beauty, and power of Dr. Powell’s music in extraordinary ways. Brava to both winners on this well-deserved recognition — and thank you for helping carry this important legacy forward. Special thanks to Advisory Board Member Chauncey Packer for presenting these awards on our behalf, to Dr. Louise Toppin and the Great George Shirley for their vision and welcoming BLAC into the GSVC Family.
Phoenix Miranda (prize winner, pre-professional division) and Chauncey Packer
ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE
Celebrating the Legacy of Chicago's Black Voices
Concert and Gala Reception in partnership with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. November 2025.
"Echoes of Excellence was an uplifting experience in these fraught times when diversity and equity are considered dirty words by some. Monuments to Black soldiers and heroes are being taken down. Well, no one can take away the music and talent that has blossomed in America. These singers and composers continue to spread the gospel of beauty, virtuosity, and excellence. That is a reason for total celebration."
LIVE AT GRACIE: Echoes of the City
Celebrating the greatest Black voices ever to illuminate New York's stages. In partnership with Gracie Mansion Conservancy. October 2025.
This one-night-only recital event featured BLAC Members and 2025 Mentees performing opera arias and spirituals inspired by Marian Anderson, Leontyne Price and many more.
Spring 2025 Mentee Weekends
BLAC welcomed 2025 mentees Amani, Audrianna, Kathiana and Lauryn to NYC in March and April 2025.
These were two weekends of joy, empowerment and mentorship! They included welcome dinners, trips to the Metropolitan Opera for Aida and The Marriage of Figaro, voice lessons, career panel discussions, a headshot session with Mychal Watts and Affan Malik, and a lot of cherished time spent with members of the community.
"I'm walking away from this weekend feeling so full, so encouraged. I feel like you all valued us as mentees so much and pulled out all the stops to make sure we felt seen and heard in this industry... This experience was nothing short of a dream come true." - Kathania Dargenson
Mary Cardwell Dawson
North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Induction & Mural Ceremony
BLAC had the honor and pleasure of being part of the Mary Cardwell Dawson mural unveiling ceremony in Madison, North Carolina. Founder of the National Negro Opera Company and a champion for young Black artists, from opera to jazz, she was a real pioneer.
BLAC members including President Kenneth Overton performed and spoke about Mary Cardwell Dawson's legacy at the event. Also in attendance were about 100 middle school children, who had never heard or experienced opera before. Their warm reception and joyous reactions to the performances were truly heartwarming! Dawson was also posthumously inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.
Annual BLAC Holiday Soiree & Welcome Party
December 2024 and 2025 in New York City
The annual BLAC Holiday Soiree, hosted by Jim St. George and Mark Sullivan in their stunning home, is an evening of performances, merriment, philanthropy, and community. Mentee and community member performances are a highlight of the celebration.
Inaugural BLAC Gala Weekend & Gordon Hawkins Masterclass
At the inaugural BLAC gala in 2024, guests were invited to join leading Black voices in classical music as they came together to raise money to support the next generation of Black classical talent. The following day, BLAC continued the weekend's festivities by holding a masterclass for up-and-coming Black singers with celebrated baritone Gordon Hawkins and hosted by Manhattan School of Music.
Leona Mitchell Masterclass
April 2024. Featuring Jazmine Saunders, Dalis de la Mothe, Justice Yates, Naomi Steele, and Jasmin Ward.
The Classical Musicians Network
Leading from the Front
Nicole Heaston Lane, Kevin Short, and Morris Robinson, three co-founders of BLAC, joined the Classical Musicians Network for a conversation about the Black Leadership Arts Collective and its mission.
University of Maryland Residency
February 2024, University of Maryland School of Music
Members of BLAC enjoyed a week-long residency at UMD, offering masterclasses, career talks, and discussions on the subjects of entrepreneurship and crafting the 21st Century Artist. The Mentors from Black Leadership Arts Collective included Karen Slack, Laquita Mitchell, Nicole Heaston Lane, Rusty L. Thom, Lawrence Brownlee, Morris Robinson, and Kevin Short.
Aprile Millo Masterclass
In August 2023, Black Leadership Arts Collective facilitated a masterclass with Aprile Millo, internationally renowned soprano. Participants included Imara Miles, Kimberlii Render, Cassandra Douglas, Adja Thomas and Kiena Williams in collaboration with pianists Kevin Miller and Donald Lee III.
The First Annual
CUZZINS COOKOUT
In the summer of 2022, a group of BIPOC classical vocal artists and friends with a shared vision to give back to current and future generations of artists in classical music, had an idea to host a social event to build and foster community. This vision eventually came to fruition in hosting a potluck dinner in New York City. We invited classical musicians of the African Diaspora, who we affectionately referred to as "cuzzins," many of whom had bonded virtually during the two years prior in the midst of the pandemic. The event was such a success, we chose to revive the popular summer pot-luck event the following year. Again, we invited our musical and new chosen family for food, games, and community. That event was such a resounding success that we vowed to continue gathering annually, and the Cuzzins Cookout was born.
