Seed to Roots: Reaching the Black Arts Community

Last year, Desiree Tucker and her son wanted to organize a “grandparent piano recital” where he could perform in front of his most beloved audience. The show attracted so much local support, Tucker took the idea to the Weinberg Center and asked, “Can you do this countywide?” Much to her surprise, the performance arts hub agreed and the Seed to Roots program was birthed.

“The deep roots of our history constantly produce new seeds and those seeds grow roots of their own.”

~ Dr. Kia Tisdale

Alongside Tucker are committee members Tarolyn Thrasher, Kia Tisdale, Tricia Kennedy, Olivia White, Tricia Kennedy, and Rebecca O’leary. The program is for students in grades Kindergarten through 12th and divided into elementary, middle and high school performance slots. Each student has a 30- minute window. Last year, videographer Malcolm Brown captured an array of dancing, poetry, and musical instruments. The show was pre-recorded and narrated to later debut on Facebook and YouTube live streams. It was a hit.

For its 2nd year, Seed to Roots chose to honor Black History Month, encouraging participants to perform black-centric acts. However, it proved to be more difficult. What was virtual in the previous year because of the pandemic is now live and because the Weinberg officially re-opened February 1st, the window for ticket sales and promotion of the event was rushed. 37 students participated last year; only 14 signed up this year. But Desiree Tucker believes the lack of participation is deeper than COVID-19.

“It’s not black history-related is it?”

After changing the application process and adding a written component that required students explain how their performance tied into black history, participation fell. The committee struggled finding participants — especially those of color. Tucker also received microaggressive remarks from local dance companies and instructors who relayed they do not offer any Black History Month related performances or simply, “we do have anything that fits within your theme.”

In the face of pushback, disinterest, and oblivion, the Seed to Roots committee is seeking creative and strategic ways to inform the general public about empowering events and find that Fredericktonians often live in silos.

Tucker and others ask: how can we reach the black Frederick community?

We’re trying to reach the kids who don’t always get the opportunity; who doesn’t go to the Y or other studios — you can come here and perform on this huge Weinberg stage – have it to yourself – and show us what you got. This is your chance to have professional lighting, sound, and staging. We want to see a diverse group of kids take advantage – specifically those who do not usually get this opportunity.

Tucker received little to no support from Frederick County Public Schools in efforts to spread the word. Wanting more FCPS involvement, Seed to Roots met with former President Jay Mason who helped the organization connect with the FCPS Communications office.

Feeling hopeful, Tucker thought the gap to missed opportunities could potentially be closed. After all, the main issue is that students do not get that type of information passed onto them. Awaiting a notification from the school system, they were left disappointed. Committee members who are involved in FCPS as parents and volunteers did not receive any notice of the event. They were informed mass systemic emails are not usual practice. Even more importantly, it is left up to the individual school’s discretion whether or not Black History Month is acknowledged or celebrated.

If awareness cannot come through school, social media, organizations, then where? And what stops us from taking advantage of these opportunities?

~ Desiree Tucker

Tucker explores the dynamic of getting our people to participate. She highlights the benefits of children familiarizing themselves with stage presence, a live audience, experiencing having control and the power felt from it that boosts the confidence in children to take risks and express themselves. Wanting kids to be able to “command that stage” prepares them for a future of empowerment and Tucker wishes the community shared and spread that sentiment.

Partnering with instructor Yara Perry at 24/7 Dance Studio, the organization has since established an arts scholarship. “Those who want to take guitar, piano, or dance lessons we can help fund those efforts,” Tucker says. The proceeds from ticket sales will go towards an Seed to Roots student arts scholarship. On Monday, February 22nd at 6 PM the show will air at the Weinberg Center in Downtown Frederick. Support our youth, local, and black arts and buy tickets here!

Photo Credit: Malcolm Brown, Weinberg