My deadly birthmark
C. Valenta |
TEDxSaltLakeCity
• September 2020
Hip Hop artist C.Valenta is no activist. He has just learned that people are more receptive to hearing raw experiences when presented in the form of lyrics. In this stunning performance, C.Valenta shares some of the anxiety that comes with being a Black man in America—and offers a few suggestions for his brothers and sisters of color. Featuring original songs, “Stuck” and “America, Do You Love Me?” with Michael Collins on drums, Dave Crespo on guitar, Zach Novak on bass, and Evan Taylor on trumpet.
This presentation was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with only a limited live audience of cast and crew members. While applause has been added to the beginning and end of the video, all other aspects have intentionally remained as filmed to honor the struggle and loss experienced globally during 2020.
Wardrobe furnished by Tommaso Cardullo.