Finding Voice Through Art

An artist himself, Rawlins describes the importance of the arts in telling the Black community’s stories and what they have accomplished over time. “Creativity has empowered us to share our experiences, record our history and convey messages” he said. And to show the transformative power of the arts, Damien Sneed—multi-genre artist, arts educator, composer and producer—will speak and perform at UC San Diego’s 22nd Annual Black History Month Celebration and Scholarships Awards Ceremony on February 24.

From toy piano to top talent

From playing along to opening and closing television credits on a toy piano as a child, to working with music legends including Aretha Franklin, Wynton Marsalis, Jessye Norman and Stevie Wonder, Damien Sneed has used music as a conduit to be anything he wanted to be, overcoming a trajectory predetermined for him as a person on the autism spectrum. Originally mute, Sneed found his voice in singing and piano lessons. He then excelled in academics and music, and now helps instill the same self-confidence and creativity in students. “Music, being a universal language, allows us to find avenues to express ourselves and to communicate with others who may be very different from us, but communicate in a way that we're understood and that we can move forward together in unity and love,” Sneed said.

Reimagining the world

Hearing the UC San Diego Black History Month Celebration theme, Black culture through artistic expression, Sneed thought about social change and justice, the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for freedom. He thought about how art, literature, fashion, music and other mediums in Black culture have been used to deal with immense challenges such as segregation, racism and marginalization to give a voice to those who did not have a voice and identify as being part of the Black community.

He said, “You see throughout history how artists have used their creativity and their platforms to fight for equality. And even today, whether it is hip hop, a painting, whether it may be someone dancing, there is a way that Black artistic culture deals with what is going on in the present and makes the best of it. A way that it controls the narrative to speak truth to power and cause others to reimagine what this world can be.”

During his visit to UC San Diego, Sneed hopes to impart a simple message to his audience. “Whatever they want to do or be, they can be it. They can do it,” he said. With this affirmation, he smiled and thought of his favorite song, "Pure Imagination," from his album “Jazz in Manhattan.”

Celebrating Black History Month at UC San Diego

To purchase individual tickets to attend the 22nd Annual Black History Month Celebration and Scholarships Awards Ceremony, please email blackhistorymonth@ucsd.edu.

Below is a sampling of events featured as part of UC San Diego’s Black History Month Celebration. A full list of events and more information is available on the UC San Diego Black History Month website.

Feb. 1 - 29

Black History Month: African Americans and the Arts Exhibit

Explore a display of UC San Diego Library materials representing the scholarship and activities from our extensive UC San Diego family. Located at the Sally T. WongAvery Library Breezeway, the display celebrates the African diaspora and the cultural contributions of our campus artists and scholars over the years.

Feb. 8

Jazz Religion, The Second Line and Black New Orleans

Visit the School of Social Sciences to attend a lecture by Professor Richard Turner of the University of Iowa that showcases the music and religions of Black New Orleans. The African retention of music and religion in New Orleans are highlighted in relation to popular performances and spirituality.

Feb. 9

Blacktronika presents Back to Source: Love, Life and Liberation

Attend a special Black History Month collaboration at Conrad Prebys Music Center Experimental Theater that brings together healing and celebration grounded in African diasporic connections through time, space and sound. Back to Source goes back to the roots of West African music and infuses it with Black futurism. Dance and celebrate community resiliency to the rhythm of live West African drums and Blacktronika music provided by Professor King Britt.

Feb. 15

16th Annual Presidents' Day Forum

Engage in critical dialogue with insightful panelists on the U.S. Presidency and current political climate in a virtual event sponsored by the Black Staff Association. This event aims to deepen understanding of the political landscape and its impact on the Black community.

Feb. 21

HDH Black History Luncheon

Come and be a part of the 25th Black History Luncheon hosted by Housing Dining Hospitality. An occasion filled with celebration, education and community. Immerse yourself in a day that includes delightful food, soulful music, captivating art, joyful dancing and moments of remembrance and honor. It's a gathering that goes beyond just an event—it's a heartfelt celebration of Black history and culture.

Feb. 22

AAASRC African Dance and Drumming Workshop

Attend a memorable Afro-Caribbean dance and drumming workshop with Master Drummer Gene Perry. Learn about the practical applications of the musical rhythms and dances from various regions with UC San Diego African Studies students.