Ep 2.6 - Vahn Black
From When We See Each Other by Stereoactive Media
August 7, 2025 · 1h 14m · Season 5 · Episode 2
About this episode
Nikkiesha McLeod interviews Vahn Black about her artistic journey, the intersection of art and social justice, and the role of music in personal and collective resistance.
Host Nikkiesha McLeod dives into an enlightening discussion with Vahn Black, a multifaceted vocalist, producer, and memory worker whose artistic journey reflects a rich tapestry of musical influences and personal identity. The conversation covers everything from the current sociopolitical climate to the intricate process of musical creation. Vahn shares her personal journey of emotional resilience, drawing strength from the historical context of jazz music as a source of defiance and solace. This leads to a broader discussion about the intersection of art and social justice, illustrating how Vahn’s creative expression is both a personal and collective act of resistance. Vahn elaborates on the importance of joy as an integral part of that resistance, allowing music to act as a refuge amidst adversity. The episode provides a glimpse into Vahn’s early inspirations and musical pedigree, notably how her upbringing in Detroit—a city vibrant with musical history—shaped her artistic path. Vahn recounts the pivot point in her life when she realized music could be a profession and the transformative journey she undertook in her music education. She reflects on how attending the Detroit…
People in this episode
Host: Nikkiesha McLeod
Guest: Vahn Black
Topics covered
- musical influences
- personal identity
- sociopolitical climate
- art and social justice
- emotional resilience
- music education
Keywords
- Vahn Black
- Nikkiesha McLeod
- music education
- jazz
- Detroit
- artistic journey
- social justice
- emotional resilience
- musical influences
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Detroit School of Arts
Books & works: jazz music
Places: Detroit
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