The songs on GROWING UP BLACK amplify students’ perspectives on the challenges of the past several years, from the pandemic to racialized violence, and how music, in the words of teacher Thurman, “can be a force that helps promote positive change in our world.”
Hill-Freedman Records
Hill-Freedman World Academy announces the release of GROWING UP BLACK, an album of 34 original student songs, co-produced by Philadelphia independent music nonprofit World Cafe Live.
Our students’ music lives online on Soundcloud.com which unfortunately is blocked on all SDP internet connections. Please use a cell phone on a cell network or access the link outside of SDP internet for the link below to work.
GROWING UP BLACK is the sixth album of Hill-Freedman Records, led by Music Technology teacher Ezechial Thurman. The album was made in partnership with World Cafe Live, one of the region’s leading independent music venues.
Learn more about the students and partners on this incredible project and how it all came together!
Fox 29 Philadelphia featured the Hill-Freedman album on the nightly news. Watch the segment below!
With the aim of creating renewal from loss, Hill-Freedman Records launched the making of our 5th album by exploring and celebrating the lives and musical legacies of musical legends who had passed away over the past few years. The songs of prior generations inspired our high school students to write their own songs that they hope will bring love and healing to the world.
Love & Healing
LOVE & HEALING is a full-length album of original songs written, recorded, and produced by high school students at Hill-Freedman World Academy, co-produced with partner World Cafe Live.
Learn more about the students and partners on this incredible project and how it all came together!
Watch the official music video of the title track, complete with student performers, Philadelphia civic leaders and members of the Philadelphia Eagles!