Julia Perry Centennial

Julia Perry: A Brilliant Composer and the Struggles of Black Disabled Musicians

 Julia Perry was a brilliant composer, musician, and teacher—a Black woman who also acquired a disability. Unfortunately, the music world offered little to no accessibility for her. During a recent panel discussion, I gained a deeper understanding of the challenges that Black musicians with disabilities have faced and continue to endure today.

 Throughout the discussion, the conversation frequently circled back to Julia Perry—how she navigated obstacles and what she might have done to acquire the necessary resources to sustain her career and passion.

 The Panel and Its Focus

 The distinguished panel featured Christopher Robinson, moderator and CEO of Think Outside the Vox; Aja Burrell Wood, professor and director of the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice; Adrian Anantawan, Director of Shelter Music Boston and Founder of the Music Inclusion Program; and Keith Jones, Founder of Hip-Hop Nation, an organization dedicated to breaking stereotypes surrounding disabled musicians.

While Julia Perry’s life as a Black female composer with a disability was the focal point, the discussion extended to the broader issue of access for Black artists and musicians with disabilities. The panelists addressed challenges spanning from early education to higher education and professional careers.

Perry was diagnosed with acromegaly, a condition that causes the body to produce excessive growth hormones, leading to enlarged bones and tissues. Her experiences serve as a powerful reflection of the many Black artists and musicians with disabilities who struggle to gain access to necessary resources. From inadequate support as students to the lack of accommodations in performance spaces, many have been excluded or disregarded due to their disabilities.

Historical and Social Context

From the 1960’s through the early 1980’s, Black disabled artists and musicians were largely marginalized and excluded from mainstream artistic spaces. The struggle for racial equality was compounded by the lack of inclusion for those with disabilities. Keith Jones spoke about how music served as an escape from the racial violence experienced during school desegregation in Boston, where buses carrying Black students were often attacked.

 Aja Burrell Wood reflected on her own experiences, sharing that her mother, who was disabled, taught her piano. She later passed away from heart disease—a condition that disproportionately affects Black women. Adrian Anantawan discussed the concept of identity in relation to disability, questioning how individuals with disabilities navigate their paths and define their roles in society.

 Julia Perry’s Legacy

 Julia Perry’s career began before the Civil Rights Movement, during an era when segregation was still the norm in the South. Black performers faced significant barriers to entry in opera houses and theaters, making it even more difficult for those with disabilities to gain recognition and opportunities.

Despite these challenges, Perry’s contributions to classical music remain profound. Her resilience and artistry continue to inspire discussions about accessibility, equity, and the future of Black disabled musicians.

 Closing Thoughts

 Each panelist concluded with their final reflections:

 · Keith Jones: "Justice should transform. Justice should be transformative. People have a fear of transformation."

 · Adrian Anantawan: "Whatever gifts you have—what do artists with disabilities provide to society? We must listen and ask questions."

 · Aja Burrell Wood: "Jazz without patriarchy. I would have loved to have known more about Julia Perry’s work."

 The discussion shed light on the ongoing struggles and triumphs of Black disabled musicians, reminding us of the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and recognizing the legacies of artists like Julia Perry.