"Celebrating Diversity Through Art” (WHYY) + Watch

Concert for the Human Family, a music series that explores the powerful intersection of art, reconciliation and faith, will be featured on this evening’s (4.7) episode of WHYY’s Movers & Makers at 7:30 PM ET. Watch online now, here: youtu.be/qfnVVAWl1pg

The episode is filmed at Church of the Advocate in Philadelphia, home to the first ordination of women in The Episcopal Church in 1974, and follows the musicians and leaders behind the Concert for the Human Family scenes on a journey into how the series came together and how they are celebrating diversity through each performance. 

The series is founded by pianist and composer Kory Caudill, an Appalachian native who has worked for years in mainstream country music and music publishing, alongside Anthony “Wordsmith” Parker, a Baltimore-based rapper who has collaborated with Netflix, ESPN, NFL Network and more in addition to his work with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, local disability centers and service to underserved youth in gang-affiliated communities. The episode features interviews with Caudill, Wordsmith and Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers, one of the three main dreamers/designers of the series and who has led countless major marches for causes like women’s rights, marriage equality and more.

Here’s what they discuss:

• Caudill talks about his trip to Liverpool with The Episcopal Church to learn about the town’s roots in slavery and how the horrific hate-crime murder of black teen Anthony Walker sparked the desire to create a program focused on racial reconciliation within the church
• How Caudill and Wordsmith use music as a way to talk about important things going on in our society and make people of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds feel welcome in the conversation
• Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers discusses the darkness she felt following the murder of George Floyd and how it led her to launch The Episcopal Church’s racial reconciliation efforts via Becoming Beloved Community
• Caudill shares his deep Appalachian Kentucky roots and Wordsmith talks about how his love for hip hop grew from living in the urban city of Baltimore
• Why they decided to host Concert for the Human Family performances at some of the most beautiful cathedrals around the U.S.

Caudill will perform at venues across the country this Spring via his Concert for the Human Family Tour alongside Wordsmith and additional special guests. Full dates will be announced in the coming week. In the meantime, visit flowcode.com/page/cfhf for more information.

For more information, please contact:

Shore Fire Media | Jaclyn D. Carter | jcarter@shorefire.com

Shore Fire Media | Olivia Del Valle | odelvalle@shorefire.com