Lawrence "Larry" Watson is on a mission to created new performance and creative space for young performers. In the spirit of the late Betty Carter he uses his stage and celebrity to showcase brilliant new talent and offer artists an opportunity to experience "live performance" outside of the classroom or the lab. Look out for our soon to be released Coffee Table book of music entitled "H.E.M." ( Highy Emotional Music) featuring the art work of some of the most cutting edge new Black artists of our time coupled with the musical arrangements and compositions of Lawrence "Larry" Watson, Alvin Foster, Sidney Punter, Larry Terry, and Miklos Malek. 2015-2016 SaveOurSelves Publishing will release several books authored by Watson and a new CD entitled "Prescriptions" for broken souls but empowering spirits. Contact SaveOurSelves for more information: Lawrence"Larry" Watson Professor, Ensemble Berklee College of Music www.lawrencewatson.com www.saveourselvesproductions.com President SaveOurSelves Productions, LLC Resident Artist, Charles Hamilton Houston Institute of Race and Justice, The Harvard Law School

This is a very special rendition of Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing written by the Johnson brothers. This version was inspired by Nelson Mandela. Professor Lawrence Watson and Jasmine Jefferson showcase a truly powerful performance here. Music has gotten away from its functional purpose to heal and empower humanity. I hope you enjoy these entries. Lawrence "Larry" Watson Professor, Ensemble Berklee College of Music www.lawrencewatson.com President SaveOurSelves Productions, LLC Resident Artist, Charles Hamilton Houston Institute of Race and Justice, The Harvard Law School

Racism in American culture and political life has made major headlines in recent weeks, ranging from Mississippi Senate candidate – and eventual winner – Cindy Hyde-Smith’s favorable comments about public hangings and the Confederacy, to today’s Senate vote advancing federal judicial nominee Thomas Farr for a North Carolina district court position, to various instances of Swastika graffiti and hate crimes right here in Massachusetts. Jim Braude was joined by Lawrence Watson, a professor at the Berklee College of Music; Michael Curry, former president of the Boston NAACP, now chair of the national NAACP Advocacy and Policy Committee; and the Reverend Irene Monroe, a syndicated religion columnist, WGBH News contributor and regular Boston Public Radio guest.