Violin Vigil
After the death of Elijah McClain, an amateur violinist, musicians around the country began holding Violin Vigils. United Strings of Color wanted to follow suit as a response to our current time of reckoning and calls for societal transformation. The Violin Vigils incorporate poetry and music to commemorate Black lives lost and to call for equal justice for all.
May 1, 2021
St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, Raleigh
From Classical Voice of North Carolina reviewer of the first Violin Vigil: "There's hope for our nation, when there are youngsters like these poets and instrumentalists who are prepared to propel us into a more united, more peaceful future."
June 19, 2021: First Raleigh Juneteenth Celebration at Dix Park
May 5, 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens, Raleigh
May 25, 2021
Day of Enlightenment Raleigh Little Theatre Amphitheatre
We were honored that Roger Floyd, George's Uncle, attended and spoke. WRAL filmed the entire event, which can be viewed here. ABC11 gave an overview that can be viewed here. The United Strings of Color raised $600 for the proposed George Floyd Memorial Center.
September 5, 2021 African American Cultural Festival at Chavis Memorial Park