The Fisher Center at Bard begins its 2020-2021 season of virtual and interactive works-focusing on healing and transformation in troubled times-with a Live Arts Bard (LAB) commission from 10-time Grammy nominated musician Meshell Ndegeocello's Chapter & Verse: The Gospel of James Baldwin, made in collaboration with acclaimed director Charlotte Brathwaite. Inspired by James Baldwin's groundbreaking treaty on justice in America, The Fire Next Time, this project was created during the time of two raging pandemics plaguing the United States: COVID-19 and racism. It is a 21st century ritual tool kit for justice-using the vernacular of a church service, structured rituals of worship, empowerment, and sacred practices-shared in isolation but bridging communities around the world. Launching September 15 with new content released monthly through December, its gifts of new songs, thoughts, meditations, and video with visual testimonies of resilience are offered each month for free, and can be accessed via TheGospelofJamesBaldwin.com and UPSTREAMING, the Fisher Center's online venue. Read More