Being Black: Identity, Acceptance, and Celebration

5 Jun 2025 · 1 min

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This content was created by The Piano Pod with Yukimi Song. This content was uploaded by The Piano Pod with Yukimi Song. This is a YouTube video titled "Being Black: Identity, Acceptance, and Celebration" (published June 5, 2025). The excerpt appears to be from Season 5, Episode 19 featuring Dr. Leah Clayborne: one speaker offers a personal reflection on being a Black female classical pianist—addressing identity, visibility, and resisting erasure—and a second speaker provides a promotional blurb about the episode premiere and directs listeners to subscribe to The Piano Pod with Yukimi Song. The content is focused on identity, legacy, and shaping the future of classical music.

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Sometimes it seems funny or maybe eye rolling, but sometimes I have to remind people that I'm Black and I was born Black. Because of that, I don't have the luxury of other people to change a name or change a title or to erase something to make it more acceptable or adaptable to other people. Other colleagues of mine do have that luxury, but because I don't, and even if I did, I don't think I would exert that because I think it is so incredibly beautiful when we can look at each other and say, "I see you for all that you are, which is a Black female classical pianist, and that is worthy to be celebrated," that I don't need to mute myself or anyone that looks like me who is offering something to this field based on their identity.
In case you missed last night's premiere of Season 5, Episode 19 featuring Dr. Leah Clayborne, no worries! The full episode is now available. Hear her powerful reflections on identity, legacy, and what it truly means to shape the future of classical music. Links in bio or description. Subscribe to The Piano Pod with Yukimi Song, where tradition meets innovation in classical piano.