‘Sounds of Blackness’ inspires at Meadow Lake Elementary

It started with a phone call in November, and three months later, on March 18, singing, clapping and dancing were the sights and sounds of Meadow Lake Elementary School’s gymnasium as the Grammy Award-winning musical ensemble Sounds of Blackness performed for students in grades three through five. 

"Back in November, I was looking for something new and meaningful. I picked up the phone and called the Ordway with no real plan—just hoping to find opportunities and experiences for our students,” said Diamond Sampson, Climate and Culture Specialist at Meadow Lake. “What came from that moment was so much bigger than music. Hosting this group was a reminder of what can happen when you take a chance.”

Sounds of Blackness is a Minneapolis-based group that has celebrated African American history and culture through gospel, soul, R&B, and spoken word for over 50 years.

The performance included a multitude of positive messages for students and staff through song and dance. Members of the group also spoke about their roles in the community, from careers to creative passions. 

“These performers aren’t just artists—they’re nurses, educators, and professionals from the Twin Cities. People with everyday careers who still make space for their passion and chose to share that gift with our scholars,” shared Sampson. “And the most powerful part—they’re from right here. Showing our students that greatness isn’t far away or out of reach…it’s in their own backyard. It lives in their community. It lives in them. Their performance sparked something powerful. It showed our students that you don’t have to choose between a career and your craft—you can do both.”

Sounds of Blackness aims to share uplifting messages of hope, unity, love and peace for all humankind and they work passionately to achieve it through their performances nationally and across the globe.

“Most importantly, it reminded us of who we are and the power we carry. We bring love, joy, and light into every space we walk into. And that alone can inspire the next generation to dream bigger.”