Nzinga “Zing” Shaw, The Recording Academy’s chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer was chosen to be the keynote speaker for LeMoyne-Owen’s College 2023 spring commencement.
While Shaw currently leads the organization’s DEI Center of Excellence, which according to LOC aims to “enable a more engaged global workforce,” and creates “enhanced platforms to recognize the diverse array of artists and music professionals,” she has also served as the first chief inclusion and diversity officer for both Starbucks and the National Basketball Association, representing the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena franchise.
Vernell A. Bennett-Fairs, the 13th president of LOC, explained that when people think of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), they tend to think that because of this designation, they’re already “diverse.” However, she explained that diversity is not just “black and white,” but it’s access and equity.
“We hone in by finding support systems and resources that even the playing field and give our students an edge,” said Bennett-Fairs, “whether through corporate sponsorships, mentorship opportunities, identifying resources, and establishing collaborations of grants.”
When the Memphis Flyer spoke with Shaw about the opportunity to bestow her knowledge onto LOC’s graduating class, she explained that as a graduate from an HBCU herself, it was an honor and a pleasure, and that she knew the great value that these institutions bring to young, Black students.
“I have a lot of experience being a marginalized student, as well as a marginalized employee in corporate America,” said Shaw. “I also bring optimism for how these students can overcome some of these challenges that they may encounter as they begin their professional journeys.”
Shaw’s presence was timely not only because of the occasion of commencement, but as the college prepares to expand its music program.
“Music is universal,” said Shaw. “I am ecstatic that this college is continuing the tradition that a lot of HBCU’s have established from their inception, which is to bring people together through the love of gospel music, through the love of hymns, through the love of different genres of music so that the student body can feel united and showcase their talents in a way that inspires the world.”
Bennett-Fairs explained that they have always had a music program, however for the fall of 2023, the marching band has been expanded as a credit-bearing course, with hopes of being an instrumental major.
“Right now we’ve also expanded the curricular offerings to include sacred music, music production, piano pedagogy, and performance — both vocal and instrumental.”
She also added that the college will have a music studio as well as skilled faculty, including Ashley Davis, who serves as the assistant professor of music. Bennett-Fairs explained that Davis has a connection to Stax Academy, and will help students gain real world experience as well as meaningful connections.
The college will also offer arts programming for the community, and is currently seeking grant sponsorships. They are also currently seeking accreditation for their music program from the National Association of Schools of Music.