Jazz musician Etienne Charles examines the effects of climate change on vulnerable communities

Jazz musician Etienne Charles explores the effects of climate change on vulnerable communities. We are excited about his appearance as the Ford School of Public Policy’s annual Martin Luther King Day speaker on January 17.

Through the “Earth Tones” project, he is shining a light on the effects of climate change on some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. His multimedia performances with the University Musical Society will show his artistic and creative expression. At the Ford School, we will hope to be able to sample a taste of that creativity, and to probe his journey – physical and intellectual – to arriving at the concept.

We envisage a brief description of the project from Etienne, with a few visuals, followed by a conversation with a Ford School faculty member who will engage with him about:

• A history of his travels

• His exploration of various cultures as a part of his musical research

• His impressions of the effects of climate change on various communities

• How climate change is disproportionately affecting underprivileged communities

• Why it is important to elevate their stories

• His call for the world to work on common solutions to a common threat

This discussion will be followed by moderated questions from the audience.

As a part of Charles’s presence in Ann Arbor, the Ford School community is encouraged to also attend one of the two performances at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theater. 

This discussion is presented in partnership with the University Musical Society, and is co-sponsored by the Center for Racial Justice. 

Register Here