2025 Grantees

Thank you to all of our applicants for this year’s Black Music City Grants. After much deliberation (and over 700+ applications), we’re excited to announce this year’s 30 Grantees below! Learn more about each grantee and their project by clicking below, and stay tuned for their final projects launching at our annual showcase this June 2025.

Alanna Dixon
(Neptune XXI)

Philadelphia, PA

  • With funding, we will curate an immersive experience that bridges generations of Black artistry, providing a platform for musicians, dancers, poets, and ceramicists to co-create an environment of sonic and visual liberation. These collaborations will preserve and evolve Philadelphia’s Black music culture, ensuring that jazz, hip-hop, and soul continue shaping the city’s artistic future. Through intentional partnerships, we will create a space where traditional and contemporary musical expressions intersect in meaningful ways.

    This project aims to inspire, educate, and deepen the understanding of how Black music and art in Philadelphia remain vital tools of resistance and self-determination. The multi-layered experience will feature live performances in Washington Square (Congo Square), dynamic visuals, and interactive ceramic works that invite audiences to mold their own narratives—both figuratively and literally. By fusing sound, movement, and touch, Sounds of Liberation challenges traditional performance structures, making art something you don’t just witness—you experience.

    Through high-quality documentation, we will develop digital and physical archives that preserve Sounds of Liberation as a lasting contribution to Philadelphia’s cultural history. As a site-specific project, it will celebrate the resilience, artistry, and innovation of Black musicians while creating a contemporary soundscape that honors their enduring impact.

Andrea Spruill
(Snookie Blaze)

Bristol, PA

  • This project will document and celebrate this connection through interviews, performances, and multimedia storytelling, honoring Homer Jackson’s legacy while shining a spotlight on contemporary artists such as Rodriguez, acoustic artist Bethlehem Robinson, and Alexa Gold. By showcasing their impactful work within the community, this documentary seeks to inspire, educate, and sustain the artistic spirit that Mr. Jackson championed.

Ant Manuel
Rivera

Philadelphia, PA

  • This film will delve into how his identity as an Afro-Puerto Rican informs his artistry and activism, illuminating the importance of unity in the fight against anti-Blackness and the erasure of Afro-Latino histories. Through an intimate interview and archival footage, we’ll trace Lucas’s journey from Puerto Rico to North Philly, exploring the cultural exchange between these two vibrant communities and how his work merges both worlds.

Carla Gamble


Philadelphia, PA

  • For my project I will create a short documentary with an accompanying audio track. The documentary will be based on the cultural musical impact of King Britt on EDM house music, and his legacy in Philadelphia. Lady Alma, will act as an advisor to the project. I will document the process of making the audio track with direct in studio BTS footage, and interviews with Lady Alma, King Britt and EDM producer DJ Solo.

David Adams
(DJ lil'dave)

Philadelphia, PA

  • With this project I want to recreate “I Love Music” by The O’Jays in a modern style that still pays respect to the past. I will collaborate with musicians and vocalists to ensure that this cover version is the best that it can be. I want to press this song on a vinyl record with bright colorful artwork designed by me as well. The A-side of the record will be a straight forward cover of the song and the B-side will be a remix version. I will produce 50 copies.

Debra Powell-Wright


Aldan, PA

  • I will create a hand-sewn fiber art piece, 36x35 on framed monks-cloth titled "The Roots of Black Love" which will be an abstract portraiture of Black Thought and Questlove using fabrics and other mixed-textiles.

Dianne Thompson
(Badd Kitti)

Philadelphia, PA

  • For this project, I’m excited to compose two new-age/ambient songs, as inspired by Laraaji.  The compositions will incorporate forms of meditative electronic music, live sounds and effects with spoken word affirmations.

     

    Music Composition:

    I will compose two works, which highlight production styles and techniques inspired by Laraaji.

    In honor of Laraaji, African instruments, such as the kalimba and hand drums, will be featured in at least one composition.

     

    Vocal/Spoken Word Composition:

    I will collaborate with Jasmine “Jahwula” Seapoe, who will be the primary lyricist and vocalist.

     

    Live Performance:

    In honor of Laraaji’s integration of music and wellness, Ms. Seapoe and I will host a 60-minute event, which will offer meditation, mindfulness techniques, chair yoga movements, and self-affirmations to participants, as they listen to a live performance of the music compositions. Event participants will receive a DIY wellness kit, an affirmation worksheet, and free download of the .mp3s

     

    Final Deliverables:

    The resulting collaboration will be a high quality product intended for practical use in healing, and meditation. It will be available on Band Camp, and on the social media pages of Badd Kitti and Jahwula.

    - Two (2) mixed and mastered original compositions in the form of .mp3s

    - Affirmation Worksheet

Dr. Benita Junette Brown

Philadelphia, PA

  • Project Description: Honoring Baba Robert Crowder Through a Digital Exhibit

    I will create a digital exhibit honoring Baba Robert Crowder as part of The Black Dance Anthology, my developing online platform dedicated to preserving Black dance and music history.

    This exhibit will showcase archival images, audio recordings, personal stories, and video content that highlight Crowder’s profound influence as a master percussionist, educator, and cultural leader in Philadelphia. It will explore his role in preserving African drumming traditions, mentoring generations of artists, and bridging African rhythms with Black music movements, shaping jazz, dance, and cultural education.

    By documenting Crowder’s contributions, this project will serve as a permanent online resource, ensuring his legacy remains accessible to future generations. It will reinforce the significance of African drumming in Black music history and celebrate Crowder’s lasting impact on Philadelphia’s cultural landscape. This exhibit will be one of many planned for The Black Dance Anthology, expanding the platform’s mission to honor influential Black artists and preserve their stories for years to come.

DuiJi Mshinda


Yeadon, PA

  • We plan to document a series of in-person interviews that will be compiled with B-roll and archival footage to create a 5-10 minute  mini-documentary. Our intended format is digital video. We will show what makes Vinyl Tap 215 a uniquely special community where affirmation, encouragement, collaboration, and acceptance, all contribute to an environment where we progress in our skill sets as DJs and improve our growth as human beings.The cast of interviewees will feature members of the Vinyl Tap 215 community of DJs we've cultivated . The video will screen at Black Music City’s June presentation and premiere at Vinyl Tap 215's 9th Anniversary Celebration scheduled for November 2025. 

Duwenavue Johnson
(Sante)

Philadelphia, PA

  • This project is a visual narrative honoring Francis "Frank" Johnson (1792–1844), a pioneering African American musician and composer from Philadelphia. Through the visual narrative of hand embroidery and a three-minute music video compilation, I seek to capture Johnson’s legacy, exploring themes of resilience, cultural identity, and the transformative power of artistic expression. By amplifying Johnson’s voice, I celebrate Black artistry’s profound contributions to Philadelphia’s rich cultural heritage.

    Johnson’s career as a composer and performer of the bugle and violin reflects a spirit of perseverance and innovation. He broke societal barriers, introducing promenade concert styles to America and performing for integrated audiences, even at the Masonic Hall. His improvisational style and dynamic performances echo the creative energy of jazz and hip-hop artists today, inspiring my own artistic approach in bridging written history with unwritten expressions of the past.

    Using hand embroidery, I translate Johnson’s artistry into a visual language of resilience and precision, stitching together a cultural reclamation of his story. While his music was never recorded, original sheet music remains in the Free Library, and many musicians are eager to revive his sound. By creating a compilation video, I aim to inspire artists to engage with his work, fostering a deeper appreciation of Johnson’s legacy and its enduring impact on contemporary music and culture.

Dwight Dunston
(Duns)

Philadelphia, PA

  • The project will include studying the time this song was written in, what was inspiring the songwriting and artist to make this at this time, and interviewing different black artist today in Philadelphia about how this song still resonates today. I will then lead a workshop for 20-30 folks across identities to do some collective dreaming, art making, and fellowshipping.

Dyymond Whipper-Young

Philadelphia, PA

  • This large-scale mural will celebrate the Uptown Theatre’s legacy and The Sound of Philadelphia, blending bold visuals with interactive elements. Part of my Rhythm of Philadelphia series, The Uptown Sound will be created alongside middle school students, giving them a hands-on role in honoring Philly’s Black music history and its lasting influence.

    The design will feature iconic Uptown performers, TSOP’s signature sound, and the intergenerational evolution of music. A QR code will link to a curated playlist of Uptown artists and their sampled tracks, while a dance step diagram on the ground will invite viewers to engage physically. Supplementary lesson plans will connect the Uptown’s cultural impact to social-emotional learning and artistic expression.

    More than a tribute, this project is a call to action—keeping Philly’s Black music heritage alive through an immersive, multi-sensory experience.

Karen "Magic Fingaz" Smith

Philadelphia, PA

  • "Daughters of the Full Moon of Sonia" will be a recorded listening party tribute to Sonia Sanchez in recognition of her influence on a wide range of musical artists as well as her groundbreaking eighteen-track CD titled "Full Moon of Sonia" which celebrated a diverse range of musical and poetic styles. Poets will be asked to write an original poem in response to one of the tracks. The event will be held at a location near Mama Sonia's Germantown location in anticipation of the possibility that she can be in attendance. All will be welcome.

Karen Moore

Philadelphia, PA

  • Blues Born of Fire is a short film inspired by Nina Simone’s Four Women, blending music, spoken word, and visuals to honor her legacy and Philadelphia’s Black music heritage. Nina Simone, recognized with a plaque on the Philadelphia Walk of Fame by the Philadelphia Music Alliance, is the inspiration for this project, connecting her iconic themes to modern narratives of Black womanhood.

Kayla Childs
(Black Buttafly)

Philadelphia, PA

  • I will be producing  a 5-song EP of songs from Mr. Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff’s catalogue. After speaking and spending time with Caliph Gamble over the past year, I explained to him how beneficial it would be for younger artists in our community to tap in and connect with the Philly Soul Music that came before us. This would be an amazing opportunity to collaborate with the Sons of Legends foundation, as well as reimagine what Philly International, and TSOP would be like today with new fresh voices, and artists. This process would consist of gathering a group of the finest young musicians from the Philadelphia community to record live instrumentation of the covers, as well as vocalists and a mix/mastering engineer. The finished product should help us be able to put on a live performance together in Philadelphia honoring the songwriting legacy of Gamble & Huff, and Philly International. 

Khalil Phillips
(IamDjLil)

Philadelphia, PA

  • “Mixing Heritage” is a DJ workshop series that teaches aspiring DJs to incorporate Philly’s Black music history into their mixes. Each session will explore a different era or genre, from jazz and soul to R&B and hip-hop, while providing hands-on training in DJ techniques. The project will culminate in a community showcase where participants perform their mixes, highlighting Philly’s cultural legacy and their creative growth. This event will also feature a professional set by me, tying together the lessons and celebrating Philly’s music heritage.

Laurin Talese

Philadelphia, PA

  • I will record an EP that invokes the magic of a regular night at Philadelphia’s historic Showboat Theater. It will feature a curated mix of jazz, soul, folk, and bossa nova tunes—sung by myself and performed alongside a band of gifted local musicians. An original visual accompaniment will unfold with the music, evoking the excitement and serendipity of discovering diverse genres in one venue on one night. This project not only celebrates our rich musical past but also reaffirms the enduring power of cultural exchange and creative innovation in today’s artistic landscape.

Makiah Stephens
(TNK)

Philadelphia, PA

  • The project, Harmonies Love, Peace, Hope, and Soul: The Legacy of James Marshall and The Informers, will be a 15-30 minute documentary exploring the group’s influence on Philadelphia’s Black music scene. Through interviews, archival footage, and a narrative connecting past and present, the film will highlight their role in shaping the sound of Philly’s music and their connections to groups like The Royal Five and The Monarchs, illustrating how music, family, and community are intertwined.

    A unique aspect of the project will be the early stages of a mural installation honoring The Informers. While the mural may not be completed during filming, the research, design, and collaboration with local artists will be integral to the story.

    The film will also highlight James Marshall’s activism. From forming a singing group at 12 to writing “If You Love Me” at 16, and creating songs like “Wake Up, Stop the Madness” addressing gun violence, Marshall used music to uplift his community. Later, he gave away his CDs and worked with local leaders like former Mayor Michael Nutter and Councilwoman Janie Blackwell to spread hope.

    This documentary will show how historical recognition can inspire today’s communities, blending The Informers’ musical legacy with their lasting social impact. Their story is an essential part of Philly’s vibrant history and deserves to be remembered.

Marck Best
(Maestro Flaco)

Philadelphia, PA

  • The project is designed as a mobile workshop experience for the public at large, taking place in 12 different location around the city.

    Each of the 12 workshops will be identical in structure and content, each will last about 2 hours, and will be for ALL AGES.

    Each workshop opens with a welcome address, safety briefing & an introduction to Mr. Otis Givens through the lens of arts and culture. This will be in the form of a lecture, which will include a list of his contributions to the local dance community, as well as some of the lives & careers in dance he influenced.

    Following that, a lesson for all attendees in The Bop will begin and last about one hour. Participants will learn the basics, maybe a turn, and will do so to the music of local artists like Teddy Pendergrass, Eddie Lavert & others.

    After the lesson, music will be played for folks to practice, dance & fellowship. Refreshments are not listed in the budget, but are an option, in place of location rental fees.

    Video and pictures will serve as documentation of each workshop.

Melissa Alicia
Simpson

Philadelphia, PA

  • Harmony Keepers: Philadelphia's Unsung Music Teachers is a digital and public art project highlighting Black music educators. It will feature portrait photography, written interviews, and wheatpaste installations of five teachers who have influenced the city’s musical landscape. The project embraces the Sankofa principle—acknowledging the past to guide the future—and showcases teachers from various educational spaces, from formal institutions to community settings. The final portraits and interview quotes will be displayed online and in entertainment corridors to emphasize the crucial role of Black music educators in Philadelphia’s artistic legacy.

Rashied Sandy
(SOOK Vinyl & Vintage)

Philadelphia, PA

  • Imagine a cozy, dimly lit corner within a record store – the Philadelphia International Records Vinyl Lounge. Warm wood, plush velvet seating, and vintage décor create a sophisticated 70s vibe. Framed album covers and gold records adorn the walls, celebrating PIR's legacy. A turntable, the lounge's centerpiece, spins classic Philly soul. The "Sound of Philadelphia" fills the air, thanks to a high-quality sound system. The lounge fosters community, where fans discuss favorite tracks and discover new gems. It's a place to relax, perhaps with a themed beverage, and soak in the soulful atmosphere. Knowledgeable staff offer recommendations and stories about the label. A "PIR Picks" section showcases curated vinyl, and rotating playlists explore different facets of the PIR sound. Special events, like listening parties or Q&As, might also be held. This lounge is more than just a space; it's a celebration of a legendary label, inviting everyone to experience the magic of Philly soul.

Richard Hill Jr.


Wilmington, DE

  • This project will be a multi-faceted exploration of Jymie Merritt's impact on Philadelphia's jazz scene.

     * Core Component: A New Jazz Album: The centerpiece will be a studio album of original compositions that draw inspiration from Merritt's innovative bass playing, the rich history of Philly jazz, and the vibrant contemporary music scene. The album will feature a diverse ensemble of talented musicians, including a prominent bassist.

     * Community Engagement:

      * Workshops: A series of workshops will be conducted in local schools and community centers, introducing young people to the history of Philly jazz, focusing on Jymie Merritt's contributions, and providing hands-on musical experiences.

      * Performance Series: A series of live performances will showcase the new music created for the album, providing opportunities for the musicians to interact with audiences and share their interpretations of Philly jazz.

    This project aims to not only create a high-quality musical work but also to educate and inspire the next generation of musicians and jazz enthusiasts in Philadelphia.

Robert King Graves


Philadelphia, PA

  • Title: The Underground Voices of Philadelphia

    Description: This mini-documentary delves into the music and personal lives of Philadelphia LGBTQ+ artists Kevin JZ Prodigy, Jahad Basquiat and Precious Ebony. While these talented artists have achieved success in mainstream media, viral social media moments, and in LGBTQ+ ballroom culture, their artistry is deeply rooted in their experiences as Black LGBTQ+ individuals. By blending hip-hop, R&B, and their unique perspectives, they have crafted a groundbreaking sound that resonates across the globe.

The Mz. Icar
Collective

Philadelphia, PA

  • The proposed project imagines an augmented reality (AR) experience where Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Santigold, and Tierra Whack—three trailblazing, unconventional female artists with deep ties to Philadelphia—come together in conversation. Each of these women redefined their respective eras by creating unique sounds that transcended traditional genres and reshaped global music. Through AR, this immersive experience will allow audiences to witness these iconic figures exchanging ideas, stories, and reflections on their journeys as pioneers in the music world. The project honors their individual legacies while showcasing how their bold, genre-defying work continues to inspire creativity and push the boundaries of music and performance

Saeed Ferguson


Philadelphia, PA

  • Short Film Concept: “The House That Philly Built” A journey through house music’s heartbeat, its legacy, and King Britt’s role in connecting Philly to the world.

Shontel Horne

Philadelphia, PA

  • "Why I Love You" is an energetic short documentary (under 15 minutes) told in three parts. Part 1 (3-4 minutes) explores the group’s origins and the recording of their song. Part 2 (3 minutes) delves into the members’ lives and the paths they chose instead of pursuing music. Part 3 (5 minutes) highlights how "Why I Love You" found new life in LA's Lowrider scene and examines what this resurgence means for the group. The film serves as a testament to unexpected opportunities and the enduring power of great art to find its audience. The film utilizes archival images and video and will feature interviews with The Ultimates.

Steven Page
(Soundofpage)

Philadelphia, PA

  • I will develop a Philadelphia Gospel Music Workshop and Concert, bringing together singers, musicians, and the community to learn and perform gospel music that shaped the city. The workshop will teach the history of Philadelphia gospel choirs, their distinctive harmonies, and the contributions of hymn writers like Rev. Charles Albert Tindley and Barbara Ward Farmer. The final concert will showcase a choir assembled from workshop participants, performing classics such as “99 1/2” and “Bread of Heaven” (Wagner Alumni Choir), “Twelve Gates to the City” (The Davis Sisters), and “God Cares” (Rosie Wallace). This project will preserve and celebrate the legacy of Philadelphia’s Black gospel music while engaging new generations.

Sudan Green
(A Beautiful Culture)

Philadelphia, PA

  • Our host, 13 year old african american broadcast journalist Pepper Persley, will interview Immanuel Wilkins. The proprietary format for our interviews involves us working with Immanuel Wilkins to select 4 keepsakes from his life as the medium for his life story. We will work with Immanuel to craft questions that provide learnings to students around SEL (social emotional learning) and allow him to touch on Philadelphia's black music heritage through his own lived experience. Once we've completed the episode, we then create an accompanying Syllabus, E-Book & Companion (Magazine with SEL activities) that will enable teachers to use this as a 1 month SEL curriculum in the classroom over the course of 4 periods.

Summer Adams
(Rae.Dianz)

Sharon Hill, PA

  • The Illadel Project is a five-week intergenerational music camp designed to unite Philadelphia’s past and future music innovators. Bringing together six seasoned musicians over 40 and six rising artists under 40 (including myself), this collaboration at Manayunk Studios will produce a five-track EP that celebrates the city’s rich musical heritage while fostering mentorship and creative growth.

Syreeta Williams


Philadelphia, PA

  • Project Noir is an immersive photography exhibit that highlights five Black women musicians by genre, visually capturing the essence of their sound and storytelling. Each portrait translates the mood, themes, and energy of the artist’s catalog into a powerful image. The exhibit will also feature a listening station, allowing visitors to experience the music alongside the visuals, creating a deep, multi-sensory connection. Through five bold and rich photographs, sound, and interactive elements, Project Noir celebrates the legacy and influence of Black women in music while offering an engaging and immersive experience.