Singing Resistance: Collective Song, Community Care, and Nonviolent Action

The current political crises in the Twin Cities and the State of Minnesota have prompted artist-activists to organize in impactful ways. Music in a Time of Crisis is a panel series organized by the University of Minnesota School of Music to bring these artists and organizers into dialogue. The series invites musicians, artists, organizers, educators, and community members to engage in meaningful conversations. It creates space for collective reflection on how music fosters solidarity and serves as a powerful form of response and expression in moments of social, political, and humanitarian crisis.

In light of the ongoing challenges facing Minneapolis and communities across Minnesota, participants from Singing Resistance will discuss how music serves as a tool for fostering solidarity, instilling courage, and enhancing public visibility. This conversation will delve into the significance of collective singing in justice movements and explore the connections between musical practice and civil resistance. It will highlight how communities are using songs to address feelings of grief and fear, respond to urgent political issues, and forge collective strength. And, YES, we will sing together!

Panelists

Liz: Liz is one of the song leaders of the Singing Resistance. They are a queer, mixed-race artist, musician, activist, & parent using community singing as an organizing vehicle for liberation. Locally, they lead ongoing song work for protests, sit-ins, grief and healing work, BIPOC, mixed-race, and queer somatic spaces, and also direct StreetSong, a choir for folx with experience of homelessness and for folx who care about them to sing together. They are currently writing new music to sing together that supports systemic change, ending white supremacy, and movements for abolition.

Sarah: Sarah is one of the organizers of Singing Resistance. She has loved singing since she was a child and has been organizing for 20 years in movements for economic, racial, and climate justice. She believes that song is an essential part of building a culture that affirms and protects life, and that song can strengthen, resource, and sustain us as we work for justice.