Biola University invites you to attend an inspirational evening in the artistically renovated Calvary Chapel observing Black History Month and the legacy of Frederick Douglass on Thursday, February 20th at 7:30 pm. Vocalist and composer Ruth Naomi Floyd presents the west coast debut of “Frederick Douglass Jazz Works,” a suite of music created to honor the legacy of the famed activist, abolitionist, and statesman.
In this work, Ruth presents jazz comprised of her original compositions paired with the actual words from the speeches and writings of this powerful, timeless luminary. Illustrated through the art form of jazz improvisational music, the “Frederick Douglass Jazz Works” illuminates the themes of tragedy, grief, despair, and injustice of American slavery but through the multi-faceted prism of hope, joy, perseverance, and triumph— all with Frederick Douglass’s own words.
Rooted and grounded in a faith ethos, Ruth Naomi Floyd has been a presence and worker in areas of the arts and justice throughout her career. Holding these themes in poetic tension within her body of creative work, Ruth has lectured prolifically on the intersection of beauty, theology, and the arts throughout the world. She believes strongly that music has the power to speak profoundly to the human condition and that the arts are essential to life and its spirit.
The message found within this project is remarkably relevant to today’s socio-cultural context. The vast collection of writings and speeches penned by Frederick Douglass about the America in which he lived resonate powerfully and ring even true today, as his words both compel and inspire us to go even deeper and to examine our own America, our culture, and our world.
The Times London states “Floyd’s voice highlights not only her superb dynamic control, flexibility, and faultless diction, but also her most important asset: an unmistakable emotional integrity that conveys her music’s power.”
Click here to purchase tickets for this special event.