Ford School of Public Policy’s Annual MLK Symposium
January 17 @ 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Trinidad-born jazz musician, composer, and storyteller Etienne Charles continuously searches for untold stories and the sounds with which to tell them.
Through the “Earth Tones” project (presented at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre Jan 17-18), he is shining a light on the effects of climate change on some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. His multimedia performances with the University Musical Society will show his artistic and creative expression and this talk at the Ford School will provide a sample of that creativity, and to probe his journey – physical and intellectual – to arriving at the concept.
Following a talk from Charles, he will engage in a conversation with a Ford School faculty member on the topics of:
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A history of his travels
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His exploration of various cultures as a part of his musical research
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His impressions of the effects of climate change on various communities
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How climate change is disproportionately affecting underprivileged communities
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Why it is important to elevate their stories
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His call for the world to work on common solutions to a common threat
This discussion would be followed by moderated questions from the audience.