CULTURE COUNTS

ClassACT HR73 focuses its work and service in five areas: Justice & Civic Engagement, Environment and Climate Change, Culture, Healthcare, and Education.

ClassACT HR73 has designated “Culture” as our newest focus area, and has formed a “Culture Counts” working group to plan our arts and humanities-focused activities. On Monday, January 26th, 2026, we will present a Zoom forum on “The Arts And Humanities In Our Time.” Future “Culture Counts” activities under consideration include webinars, “Learn At Lunch” sessions, and a culture-focused in-person ClassACT gathering in New York City, tentatively scheduled for mid-April. The “Culture Counts” working group (see right column) meets monthly.

If you would like to join the Culture Counts Working Group or have questions, we invite you to email us at classacthr73@gmail.com.

Bridges

CHILDREN'S ORCHESTRA SOCIETY

CommUnity Cares envisions a future where health and wellbeing are central to the Black American experience. By fusing medical education and access with cultural resonance, we are a gateway to consistent high, quality healthcare.

Learn more.

JUSTICEAID

JusticeAid formed in 2013 around a simple but profound idea: to organize music and arts events to increase access to opportunity and justice for every person, regardless of their background or circumstance. We partner with outstanding artists and world-changing charities to fight for those most in need, and to ensure that liberty and justice are indeed inalienable rights for every human being.

Learn more.

THE ROOTS OF MUSIC

The Roots of Music provides free year-round music education, academic tutoring, and mentorship for youths ages 9-14 in Greater New Orleans. Founded shortly after Hurricane Katrina to address the challenges facing the city’s youth and the cessation of music education in most of New Orleans’ public middle schools, the program offers children an escape and alternative to the dangerous after-school street life of New Orleans.

Learn more.

Zoom Forums

CULTURE COUNTS: THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES IN OUR TIME

January 26th, 2026

On Monday, January 26th, 2026, we will present a Zoom forum on “The Arts And Humanities In Our Time” with four panelists: world-renowned multimedia artist Laurie Anderson, comedian/writer/podcaster Hari Kondabolu, visual artist and environmental activist Alexis Rockman, and playwright/actor/educator Mfoniso Udofia. Jazz instrumentalist/ClassACT HR73 board member Jerome Harris '73 will serve as moderator.

Learn more.

WHEN THE STAGE GOES DARK: PERFORMING ARTS IN COVID TIME

January 11, 2021

This forum explored the impact of the pandemic on the performing arts and its artists, described creative solutions the panelists have found for continuing their work and engaging audiences, and offered some innovations and hopes for the future. Moderator Marion Dry '73, Co-Chair of ClassACT, opera singer and former Director of the Wellesley College Music Performance Program will moderate our panel: Jerome Harris '73, jazz bassist and recording artist; Peter Kazaras '73, leading opera director and Director of Opera UCLA and the Inaugural Susan G. and Michel D. Covel MD Chair at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music; Emily Mann '74, former artistic director and resident playwright of the McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton University; and Charlene Jones Marchant '73, faculty member at Music Academy of North Carolina and member of the board of the Greensboro Opera.

Learn more.

Classmate Spotlights

Below, we highlight classmates and initiatives whose work fits into the category of Culture Counts. Scroll through and see if you recognize anyone! And if you're interested in participating in any of the initiatives below, send us an email at classacthr73@gmail.com and we will connect you.