'Living in Color' Event Illuminates Black Identity Through Multifaceted Art Performances

On a recent Thursday evening, in observance of Black History Month, Angus Williams, known on stage as CARAMEL, brought together a compelling mix of dialogue and artistic expression at an event titled Living in Color. As a singer-songwriter and member of the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences class of 2025, Williams curated an evening that was much more than a showcase—it was a space for performers to delve into the complex narratives surrounding Black identity.

Art Forms Blend to Showcase Diversity

The event featured an array of disciplines including poetry, dance, gospel, and jazz. Traditional song performances merged with modern interpretations, while slam poetry and dance pieces highlighted the cultural dissonance and richness within the Black community.

Thought-Provoking Chapters Unpack Collective Experience

Broken into chapters such as 'dissonance' and 'anger', each segment of the night unfolded to reveal aspects of Black life—ranging from personal relationships to societal struggles. Performers like Benedita Zalabantu and Alioune Diba shared the stage, gripping the audience with stories of stereotypical roles and profound emotions tied to historical and present adversity.

Chapters progressed through themes of realization, healing, and a continuous dialogue—a representation of an ongoing journey rather than a distinct endpoint. The audience was invited into a realm of introspection and confrontation with the hard-hitting realities of Black anguish, joy, and the solace found in unity and self-discovery.

Music Amplifies the Event's Emotional Resonance

Williams' own musical performances were underscored by the instrumental magic of violin and bass, enriching the ambiance and depth of the event. Waaw Waaw BC's West African drumming added a vibrant cultural layer, propelling the narrative of a shared heritage and the undying spirit of a people.

The journey through the chapters concluded with a message of healing, as voiced by Zalabantu: 'Being a Black woman is all the healing that I will ever get.' Embodying the essence of resilience and recovery, Williams and his fellow artists crafted a night that urged for ongoing conversations, lending a lasting impact on those present.

Attendees, such as Sena Deressa from MCAS '24, left with a mix of emotions, reflective of the Black experience and the cyclic nature of trials and triumphs that define it. The event successfully captured these varying facets, pointing towards a future rich with dialogue and growth.

identity, art, performance