SohoMuse Presents Black Lives Matter: Artists Speak August 10th, 11th, 12th & 13th

In the early days of COVID-19, SoHoMuse co-founder Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin launched something rather extraordinary to benefit the members of her creative social network during these uniquely tough times. SohoMuse A Virtual Entertainment Series (S.A.V.E.S.) gives artists a digital platform where they livestream performances, discussions, films and more to audiences at home and even generate revenue from their event through a virtual tip jar. Many artists even chose to donate the proceeds from their shows to charities of their choice.

Then tragedy struck, blowing the doors open on a dialog around the systemic racism that has plagued this country for centuries. It was clear there were voices aching to be heard and SohoMuse had just the right platform to make that happen. “We’ve always prided ourselves on being a wholly inclusive community, “ said Costin. “We have many black artists and other people of color on our site who are really hurting right now. Naturally, we wanted to do anything we could to help. Our S.A.V.E.S. series was a no-brainer.”

On Monday, August 10^th, as part of their virtual entertainment series, SohoMuse will launch “Black Lives Matter – Artists Speak,” a four-day, remotely hosted series, featuring guided panel discussions and performances by some of the biggest legends in the Creative Industry.

The landmark event brings together Creatives, thought leaders and academics from all walks of life to join in this powerful conversation, share their personal experiences with racism and inequality in our society and shine a huge spotlight on the history and path moving forward, following the Black Lives Matter movement within the entertainment industry.

Cohosted by renowned music producer Zeke Thomas and The Bachelor’s Natasha Parker, special guest speakers for the virtual series include NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, Vin Rock from legendary, award-winning hip-hop trio Naughty by Nature, rapper and entrepreneur Ja Rule, Rapper and artist Doug E. Fresh, TV and radio personality Downtown Julie Brown, artist Niko Brim and more! Each day’s panel discussion will be rounded-out with performances by poets, healers and musical acts such as Nate James, Tarralyn Ramsey, Kevin Smith Kirkwood and rapper/producer Josh Stone.

The format is both interactive and engaging, allowing audience members to participate from home by contributing questions and talking points that help to guide and drive the panel discussions.

There is also a strong charitable component, as each of the panels has designated specific charities who will benefit from the donations, which are in line with the discussions for each day. The August 10^th panel on police accountability will directly benefit the Mary’s Court Foundation; Breonna Taylor Fund, while proceeds from the August 11^th event will go to The Freedom March NYC. For the August 12^th panel on activism in the Internet age, donors can choose between The Hip Hop Public Health Fund or Opal’s Walk. For the final panel on August 13^th, discussing racism in the entertainment industry, funds raised will benefit the National Queer Theater.

More Info On Charities:

-Mary’s Court Foundation; Breonna Taylor Fund –https://maryscourtfoundation.org

-Freedom March NYC – https://www.freedommarchnyc.com/

–Hip Hop Public Health Fund – https://hhph.org

-Opal’s Walk – https://www.opalswalk2dc.com/

–National Queer Theater – https://www.nationalqueertheater.org

Schedule:

Hosts

Zeke Thomas (Producer) and Natasha Parker (The Bachelor)

Day 1 (Aug 10) – Intimate Interview w/ Isiah Thomas and Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin

- Isiah Thomas (NBA Hall Of Famer)
- Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin (Billboard Recording Artist / Entrepreneur)
  - Performer – Sonta

Day 2 (Aug 11) – Police Accountability and Brutality in the Modern Era

o Panelist

Ja Rule – (Rapper and Entrepreneur)
Vin Rock – (Naughty By Nature)
Jimmy Dennis – (Ex Death Row, Music Artist)
Zeke Thomas – (Producer)
Tarralyn Ramsey – (Music Artist)
Willie Mack – (Entrepreneur)
Fred Benjamin – (Activist/ Athlete)
AJ Channer – (Fire From The Gods)

o Performer –

Mason the Healer – (Guru/ Musician)*
Josh Stone – (Rapper/Producer)*
Tarralyn Ramsey – (Musician) *

Day 3 (Aug 12) – Activism and How to Take a Stance in the Internet Age

o Panelist

Natasha Parker (The Bachelor)
Ms. Opal Lee – (Juneteenth Activist)
Charise Frazier – (Hello Beautiful Journalist)
Stephanie Humphrey –(ABC News Tech Correspondent)
Cole Brown – (Author)
Niko Brim – (Rapper)
Kondwani Fidel – (Author)

o Performer

D. Smith (Musician) *
Malcom London (Poet) *

Day 4 (Aug 13) Racism in the Entertainment Industry and How to Rise Above It

o Panelist

Doug E. Fresh – (Rapper)
Jimmy Maynes – (Manager)
Jojo Brim- (CEO VSE Records)
Shino Prater – (Pastor and Former NFL Star)
Lori Rose Benson – (Executive Director & CEO of Hip-Hop Public Health)
Downtown Julie Brown – (Presenter)
Nate James – (Music Artist)
Mali Music – (Grammy Nominated Music Artist)
Dr. Olajide Williams – (Founder and President of Hip Hop Public Health Fund)

o Performer –

Kevin Smith Kirkwood (Broadway Performer)*
Jessica Disu (Musician) *
Nate James (Musician) *
Mali Music (Musician) *

* Also on Panels

About SohoMuse:

Centered on an exclusive membership-by-invitation-only platform, SohoMuse enables creative professionals to promote their talents and projects, network, and collaborate with other creatives and source talent across the globe – all within a secure and trusted ecosystem. Learn more at www.SohoMuse.com.

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.