The Art of the Spiritual

To commemorate Juneteenth 2022, the firm's Diversity Council invites you to learn about Negro spirituals – the soulful, often religious songs initially used by enslaved persons to communicate with and encourage one another. In this unique session, Ramona La Roche, Ph.D, Cultural Heritage Informaticist for the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, will moderate a discussion with Angel Refusé, opera singer and artistic scholar, and Randye Jones, opera singer and music historian. The presentation will explore the musical elements of a spiritual, as well as the significance and importance of spirituals in the Black American experience. Mr. Refusé will also present some operatic renditions of spirituals.

The program will also include special performances by Holland & Knight Associate Lisa Kpor and Practice Assistant Sean Brower. All attendees will receive a digital music playlist and a bibliography for future reference.

We hope you can join us for this highly informative and special presentation.

Welcoming Remarks

Tiffani Lee
Diversity Partner, Holland & Knight

Moderator

Ramona La Roche, Ph.D.
Cultural Heritage Informaticist, African-American Research Library and Cultural Center

Speakers

Angel Refusé
Artistic Scholar and Opera Singer, Florida Grand Opera

Randye Jones
Alto and Soprano Singer, Author and Music Historian