Liberian Women's Chorus for Change
Philadelphia Folklore Project
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The Liberian Women's Chorus for Change in concert. Painted Bride Theater, Philadelphia, June 2014. Photo by Anna Mulé.
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The Liberian Women's Chorus for Change at a pop-up concert. Blue Bell Triangle Park, Southwest Philadelphia, June 2014. Photo by Toni Shapiro-Phim.
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Marie Nyenabo (accompanied by Blamoh Doe and Fernon Flomo) of the Liberian Women's Chorus for Change at a pop-up concert. Blue Bell Triangle Park, Southwest Philadelphia, June 2014. Photo by Toni Shapiro-Phim.
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The Liberian Women's Chorus for Change at the Women Against Abuse Press Conference, Love Park, Philadelphia, October 2014. Photo by Leslie Macedo.
Led by 2014 Pew Fellow Fatu Gayflor, the Liberian Women's Chorus for Change addresses urgent issues of violence against women in Philadelphia's growing Liberian community. The members of the chorus will adapt existing folk songs and write new ones in traditional styles, in the hopes of subverting historical narratives in which women are blamed, stigmatized, or victimized. The Chorus' goals are to foster conversation through song, generate collective strength to act, and offer options and resources for change. The Philadelphia Folklore Project will present the Chorus in local Liberian neighborhoods as well as in concerts at World Cafe Live and other venues. The Philadelphia Folklore Project received a 2013 Discovery Grant to explore the impact of the Chorus' work.
Additional unrestricted funds are added to each grant for general operating support.