Oshiro ’13, ’21 and Powell Challenge Music Therapy Students in Race and #RealTalk Program

Led by Halo Quartet members Shana Oshiro ’13, ’21 (Professional Studies Program for Music Therapy Certification Eligibility, Master of Music Therapy), MT-BC, and Niambi Powell LCSW-C, 75 students in the music therapy community started their yearlong program of discussions and critical reflection on racism as part of the Race and #RealTalk program. Students started with two questions: (1) What kind of community do you want to see in the Shenandoah music therapy department? and (2) How is racism a barrier to achieving this for you as an individual? For the community as a whole? Students will build on this work in classroom discussions and music-making activities, joining together again in December 2020 for another community meeting led by Oshiro and Powell.