Kent State University jazz ensembles instructor, Christopher J. Coles
, creates art and music in remembrance of the racially motivated Charleston shooting. The unforeseen occurrence created a turning point for Coles that led to the creation of the “Nine Lives Project.”
The “Nine Lives Project,” which initially consisted of himself and one poem, has now expanded to a collection of poetry, musical compositions and animation. Coles enlisted the help of many others to compose, write poetry and create animation, including fellow Kent State instructor Gregory King, assistant professor of dance, to lead choreography.
Coles aspires to evoke emotions and conversations surrounding topics like social injustice and race through the display. “Nine Lives Project” has been viewed at workshops throughout Cleveland, Canada, and most recently broadcast in a Shuffle session with WKSU.
Listen to the complete story at: https://www.wksu.org/post/shuffle-nine-lives-project-remembers-charleston-church-shooting-through-song#stream/0
Images: Top: Christopher J. Coles. Bottom: Gregory King
