The power of music, filled with hopeful expressions and joyful melodies, can unite us. But what if the music you love and create gets mislabeled by your own church and community? In this throwback episode of Where Ya From?, world-renowned jazz musician Ruth Naomi Floyd shares her story of caring for the wounded and alienated in her beloved community of Philadelphia and how that, paired with her faith, led her to unapologetically create jazz music that blends theology and justice.

Guest Bio:

Ruth Naomi Floyd is a vocalist and composer who has created a discography dedicated to a sacred jazz expression that highlights theology and justice. Her progressive ensemble jazz sound and mezzo-soprano voice has received high praise for its messages of hope, redemption, and love. In addition, Ruth continues lectures and performs her music internationally while also being an award-winning photographer specializing in black and white portrait images. Ms. Floyd lives in Philadelphia, where she continues her creative work and justice work.

Notes & Quotes:

“I think the root of it goes to loving our neighbor as ourselves. I think the more interesting question is who we as Christians—those followers of Christ—who we deem not our neighbor. And so, I think we really need to look with renewed eyes, with the Holy Spirit, and really examine where Jesus went, where He was born, where He escaped to, who He came through, who He spent time with.”
“The Bible is very clear. And Jesus is very clear in His words and in His actions. And we should open our arms to our brothers and sisters. Those who don't embrace Christ in His cross, and those who do.”
We have that great Scripture that says [Jesus] sees and He collects our tears in a bottle, and He cares for them, and He treasures them. Jesus understands our suffering, and He actively knows what you’re going through.
Just as the gospel has emancipated us, we’re willing to help use the gospel to emancipate others as on earth as it is in heaven. So, we don’t have to wait till heaven to experience that freedom and that emancipation. What is stopping us?

Links Mentioned:

FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
Learn more about Ruth’s fusion of music and justice with The Fredrick Douglass Jazz Works.
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Verses Mentioned:

Lamentations 3:22-23
Genesis 1:1

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Jazz, Faith, and Bridging Music (Ruth)