Respect
IMPACT CAMPAIGN:
IN SESSION TALKS
INFORMATION:
Inspired by the transformative power of Aretha Franklin’s legacy and the 2021 film Respect starring Jennifer Hudson, 1Community launched “In Session Talks”—an ambitious virtual music education and empowerment series that has redefined how the entertainment industry engages with youth from underserved communities. We developed 24 comprehensive masterclass videos featuring an extraordinary roster of award-winning performers, composers, and industry titans including Jennifer Hudson herself, Harvey Mason Jr. (CEO of the Recording Academy), composer Kris Bowers, Grammy-winning vocalist Lalah Hathaway, and director Liesl Tommy. Each session was meticulously crafted to serve dual purposes: delivering practical music education that students can immediately apply to their craft, while simultaneously addressing the empowerment themes that young women of color need to hear—messages like “Find Your Voice, Claim It, And Use It For Good” and “Nurture Your Confidence So No One Can Take It Away.”
Every single masterclass comes equipped with thoughtfully designed discussion guides and supplemental educational resources, ensuring that teachers and mentors can extend the learning far beyond the screen. The impact has been measurable and meaningful, with our top sessions generating over 4,400 views and creating countless moments of inspiration for high schoolers who rarely see themselves reflected in music industry leadership. This wasn’t just about creating content; it was about building a movement that closes the equity gap one student at a time.
IMPACT PARTNERS:
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Save the Music Foundation
Music Unites
Leading Women Defined
National Association for Music Education