During this time of social unrest, we would feel complicit if we were to remain silent. We want to be perfectly clear with our former, current and future students where we stand.
What we are witnessing in this time of social unrest is the ongoing struggle of humanity to confront the inequalities of oppressive human systems. This is an unfortunate yet absolutely necessary part of the process to achieve a social order which honors all of humanity. While we are not optimistic that we will see such a society in our lifetime, looking through the lens of history, we are very hopeful that over the course of future generations, the rapidly coalescing global community will demand such a world. Black lives matter. Speaking of George Floyd's death, General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated in a June 11, 2020 article in the Washington Post: “His death amplified the pain, the frustration, the fear that so many of our fellow Americans live with day in and day out. The protests that have ensued speak not only to his killing, but to the centuries of injustice toward African Americans.” And a friend recently sent us an article from the blogger, Seth Godin, in which he states: “The systemic, cruel and depersonalizing history of Black subjugation in my country has and continues to be a crime against humanity. It’s based on a desire to maintain power and false assumptions about how the world works and how it can work. It’s been amplified by systems that were often put in place with mal-intent, or sometimes simply because they felt expedient. It’s painful to look at and far more painful to be part of or to admit that exists in the things that we build.” And lastly, Dr. John Wilkerson (Kerry’s father), stated in his sermon on May 31, 2020: "The reign of God is wherever the poor and marginalized are lifted up, and their needs are met, rather than being ignored or treated with disdain by privileged people who are in control, politically, socially, racially and economically. Centuries of biblical interpretation have attempted to spiritualize or minimize the reality that the bible is a book by, about and for the poor and marginalized peoples of the world. It not only says that God blesses and loves such victims of oppressive human systems but also that such people are in fact God’s agents and leaders in rejecting and dismantling such systems built upon oppression and inequality.” Black lives matter. Through the years, we cannot count how many students and/or parents of students have thanked us for providing a ‘safe place’ for them to learn and grow in their singing. We feel this is, by far, the highest compliment we have ever received. The Talamantes Wilkerson Voice Studio is open to all, closed to none. We like to think of ourselves as a small studio with a big heart. Regardless of country of origin, immigration status, race, creed, religion or sexual orientation, all are welcome to join us in our continuous effort to create an inclusive community that calls, equips and sends singers into this world to be a strong voice for all of humanity. We truly believe the power of singing and the universal language of music are capable of transforming the world in which we live for the better. Danielle Talamantes Kerry Wilkerson
1 Comment
Chris Hipwell
6/14/2020 08:51:31 pm
Beautifully expressed.
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