“Breaking Down Racial Barriers With Music” is a community conversation and storytelling event demonstrating how music has been historically impactful in bridging cultural divides and mutual understanding.  In the current climate of war and the socio-political tensions that have arisen, artists are standing as cultural diplomats through their instruments and voices. 

Join Palestinian-American musician Ronnie Malley of the band Lamajamal and Intercultural Productions; Indian born, Midwest based, classical veena player, Saraswathi Ranganathan of the Surabhi Ensemble; and Kenyan born, Chicago-based musician and Psychologist Dr. Rahul Sharma from the band Funkadesi, will help lead a conversation on how they each use the power of music to connect communities and fight racism through music programs and education of cultures. The three musicians and cultural leaders will follow their unique cultural conversation with a short impromptu musical collaboration.  

*Bridging The Divide is supported by The IL Department of Human Services and The Field Foundation