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Racial Justice Opera Network

OPERA America’s Racial Justice Opera Network is an action group of opera professionals from all sectors of the field who are committed to enriching our art form and industry by seeking racial equity.

The Racial Justice Opera Network is a coalition of BIPOC and White antiracist members working to dismantle racism in opera by actively changing policies and practices that perpetuate the oppression of Black people, Indigenous people, and other people of color.

It aims to:

  • Encourage collaboration, resource-sharing, and opportunities to support a more racially equitable field.
  • Affirm the voices of those who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latinx/Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, South Asian, Arab, Middle Eastern, North African, and/or people of color in the opera field through networking and relationship-building.
  • Create spaces for dialogue, learning, collective action, and support for people of color.

The Racial Justice Opera Network was formerly known as the ALAANA Opera Network.

Get Involved

Participation in the Racial Justice Opera Network is open to anyone affiliated with the opera industry and supportive of the Network’s goals. You can get involved by requesting to join the Facebook group.

Join Facebook Group 

The RJON Steering Committee is accepting new members through an open application process. If you are interested in joining the Steering Committee, please read the Steering Committee duties and submit an application.

Learn More

For additional information, contact us at Membership@operaamerica.org or 646.699.5248.

Upcoming Events

The Racial Justice Opera Network convenes at the annual Opera Conference and International Racial Justice Opera Forum. The network promotes dialogue and collaboration throughout the year through conference calls and an active private Facebook group.

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Racial Justice Opera Network Steering Committee

Quodesia Johnson
Social Justice Advisor, OPERA America; Consultant; Founder and Space Moderator, Black Administrators of Opera

Theresa Ruth Howard
Artist, Writer, and Consultant

Jessica Jahn
Costume Designer

Anh Le
Director of Marketing and PR, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Chevalier Lovett
Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Organize Florida; Board Member, Opera Orlando

Kristian Roberts
Director of Education, The Dallas Opera

Tracy L. Wilson
Director of Community Relations, Cincinnati Opera

Past Steering Committee Members

Alejandra Valarino Boyer
Director, Ravinia Steans Music Institute

Randall Eng
Composer, NYU Faculty

Brandon Gryde
Former Staff Liaison, OPERA America; Presenting & Multidisciplinary Works and Artist Communities Director, Office of Strategy, Programs, & Engagement, National Endowment for the Arts

Briana Elyse Hunter
Mezzo-Soprano

David Lomelí
Chief Artistic Officer, Santa Fe Opera

Brandon Neal
Associate Producer, Office of the President, The Juilliard School

Kristal Pacific
Former Staff Liaison, OPERA America; Program Officer, Howard Gilman Foundation

Kamala Sankaram
Composer

Parisa Zaeri
Conductor, Coach, and Collaborative Pianist