My academic and professional journey is deeply rooted in my passion for classical music and my commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable space for African American men in the field. As someone who has experienced the power of music to transform and uplift, I am determined to use my education and career to challenge barriers, inspire others, and open doors for underrepresented individuals in classical music. From an early age, I was captivated by the artistry and emotion of classical music. Growing up, my exposure to the genre was limited, but whenever I heard a symphony or a sonata, I felt a connection that words couldn’t describe. However, as I pursued my interest, I began to notice a glaring lack of representation—rarely did I see African American men on the concert stage, in orchestras, or even in my own classrooms. This absence weighed on me, not as a deterrent but as a call to action. I realized that if I wanted to see change, I would need to be part of it. My academic goals are centered on deepening my knowledge of classical music and honing my craft as a musician. I am pursuing a degree in music performance, with a focus on mastering my instrument and understanding the rich history of classical composition. Beyond technical skills, I aim to explore how cultural narratives and traditions can be woven into classical music, challenging its Eurocentric roots. My education is not just a path to personal excellence but also a foundation for broader change. Professionally, I aspire to perform on some of the world’s most prestigious stages and, eventually, to lead initiatives that amplify the voices of African American men in classical music. Whether as a soloist, a member of an orchestra, or a mentor, I want my career to be a testament to the idea that talent knows no racial boundaries. My personal experiences have shaped my vision and given me the resilience to pursue these goals. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, I faced challenges that taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and community. My family’s unwavering support, despite limited resources, showed me the importance of lifting others as you climb. One defining moment in my journey occurred during a community concert I organized in my neighborhood. Seeing the joy and inspiration on the faces of young children as they listened to classical pieces played by musicians who looked like them reaffirmed my mission. It reminded me that representation matters—not just on the stage but also in the audience, the classroom, and the industry at large. Achieving equality in classical music for African American men is not just a professional goal for me; it’s a personal responsibility. I carry with me the stories of those who came before me and those who will come after me. By breaking down barriers and building pathways, I hope to leave a legacy that reflects the transformative power of music and the unyielding potential of dreams.

My academic and professional journey is deeply rooted in my passion for classical music and my commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable space for African American men in the field. As someone who has experienced the power of music to transform and uplift, I am determined to use my education and career to challenge barriers, inspire others, and open doors for underrepresented individuals in classical music. From an early age, I was captivated by the artistry and emotion of classical music. Growing up, my exposure to the genre was limited, but whenever I heard a symphony or a sonata, I felt a connection that words couldn’t describe. However, as I pursued my interest, I began to notice a glaring lack of representation—rarely did I see African American men on the concert stage, in orchestras, or even in my own classrooms. This absence weighed on me, not as a deterrent but as a call to action. I realized that if I wanted to see change, I would need to be part of it. My academic goals are centered on deepening my knowledge of classical music and honing my craft as a musician. I am pursuing a degree in music performance, with a focus on mastering my instrument and understanding the rich history of classical composition. Beyond technical skills, I aim to explore how cultural narratives and traditions can be woven into classical music, challenging its Eurocentric roots. My education is not just a path to personal excellence but also a foundation for broader change. Professionally, I aspire to perform on some of the world’s most prestigious stages and, eventually, to lead initiatives that amplify the voices of African American men in classical music. Whether as a soloist, a member of an orchestra, or a mentor, I want my career to be a testament to the idea that talent knows no racial boundaries. I envision founding a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources, mentorship, and scholarships to young Black musicians, ensuring that financial barriers or lack of representation never hinder their dreams. My personal experiences have shaped my vision and given me the resilience to pursue these goals. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, I faced challenges that taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and community. My family’s unwavering support, despite limited resources, showed me the importance of lifting others as you climb. These lessons have fueled my determination to make classical music a space where every aspiring artist feels welcome and valued. One defining moment in my journey occurred during a community concert I organized in my neighborhood. Seeing the joy and inspiration on the faces of young children as they listened to classical pieces played by musicians who looked like them reaffirmed my mission. It reminded me that representation matters—not just on the stage but also in the audience, the classroom, and the industry at large. Achieving equality in classical music for African American men is not just a professional goal for me; it’s a personal responsibility. I carry with me the stories of those who came before me and those who will come after me. By breaking down barriers and building pathways, I hope to leave a legacy that reflects the transformative power of music and the unyielding potential of dreams. My journey is just beginning, but with my experiences as my compass and my goals as my guide, I am ready to make a lasting impact.

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I think the first thing we as the Black community have to do, is release the stigma, as far as getting help for our Mental Health, and correlating it to being "crazy". There were so many lives destroyed because either mental was not taken serious due to stigmas we have in the Black Community, and people were made to feel embarrassed if you seek out that help. I think we have to start by optimal testing in the black community, in that, meaning not waiting for for some cataclysmic before we start testing. It really should be just as important to have a mental checkup as it is when you get a physical checkup. I also think that people especially the older generations of the Black community may not know how to access the help. So to make sure there is a clear and concise way, to have these tools accessible to them. Also one must recognize, Lack of trust in the medical system due to historical abuses of Black people in the guise of health care, less access to adequate insurance, culturally responsive mental health providers, financial burden, and past history with discrimination in the mental health system. Also, a fear that these experiences will be repeated is all suggested by research as factors in explaining lower utilization of mental health care among the Black community. Historically, the Black community was and continues to be disadvantaged in mental health through subjection to trauma through enslavement, oppression, colonialism, racism, and segregation. A growing body of research suggests that traumatic experiences can cause profound biological changes in the person experiencing the traumatic event. Cutting edge researchers are also beginning to understand how these physiological changes are genetically encoded and passed down to future generations. These findings suggest that in addition to the cultural and psychological inheritance of trauma, intergenerational trauma may be passed down biologically from one generation to the next. I think its abundantly clear that. A mental health provider will play an essential role in treatment, and it is vital to work and communicate well with this person. It is important to know that efforts towards social justice among the Black community will remain incomplete until mental health disparities among this group are addressed and that seeking mental health treatment is a part of overall health. The Black community has a long history of social change and prioritizing mental health is not a sign of weakness, but an act of strength.