EXAMINING WOMEN TRAILBLAZERS IN JAZZ

• By Mabel Pais

Join NJPAC’s Celebration of Women during Women’s History Month at Express Newark, for the Creator’s Room Series, with a lively conversation featuring innovators in the field. From the stage to the recording booth to the classroom, hear how these women leaders are ensuring jazz culture continues to thrive and inspire.

TRAILBLAZERS

Sarah Vaughan, Geri Allen, Esperanza Spalding and Edna White made a lasting impact on jazz. Their trailblazing opened doors for women artists who continue to define the sound of the modern era.

WHAT:  EXPRESS NEWARK: THE CREATOR’S ROOM Series

WHEN:  Saturday, March 14, 2026 @ 3 PM

WHERE: 54 Halsey Street, Floor 1, The Grand Court, Newark, NJ

COST:   Suggested Donation – $10 per person

REGISTRATION

RSVP is required. RSVP @ https://formstack.io_wdlMrbzMDtkatoapnuBR94r99mSt8M8dGgjOKHtHm8_xPE8fZNmz_GmxuhjrzoxhhTg-3NipaK-Oa3aQM1y0A

PANEL DISCUSSION

Moderator

The panel will be moderated by Sheila Anderson, author, emcee, producer and host of multiple shows on WBGO including “Weekend Jazz After Hours and Salon Sessions”

Panelists

Rosa Hyde, Senior Director of Arts Education Performances and Special Events and former Performance Manager at Frederick P. Rose Hall, the home of Jazz at Lincoln Center

Lauren Sevian, GRAMMY-winning baritone saxophonist, educator, band leader and in-demand performing artist

Nicole Sweeney, a leader in jazz broadcasting, branding, education and cultural promotion who hosts on WRTI 90.1FM

The Creator’s Room

The Creator’s Room is a series of intimate conversations discussing the behind-the-scenes journey of artistic work. These discussions, open to learners of all ages, highlight the variety of pathways to success in the arts. NJPAC’s panelists and audiences explore their rights as creatives, as well as how to sustain a career as a performer, creator, or administrator.

Each panel showcases up to 4 field experts providing detailed guidance on topics such as licensing, performing rights, music streaming, marketing, monetizing your talent, theater unions, artist memberships and more. Panelists will share their journey, provide useful resources, and answer any questions from the audience.

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NEW JERSEY SERVES AS NATIONAL ROLE MODEL FOR SHIFTING WOMEN FROM INCARCERATION TO SUPPORT BY ADDRESSING THE ROOT CAUSES

• By Mabel Pais

WHAT:  SET HER FREE: Exposing the Trauma to Prison Pipeline

          PROTECTING RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN PRISON: 

          “Standing in Solidarity” Series

WHEN:  Monday, March 23, 2026 @ 6 PM

WHERE: NJPAC’s Chase Room

COST:   Free

Join WOMEN@NJPAC during Women’s History Month’s “Standing in Solidarity” conversation on trauma-informed and gender-responsive alternatives to incarceration. Find out how New Jersey is a national role model for protecting the rights of women in prison.

Recognizing that women are the fastest-growing segment in our justice system, there is a powerful opportunity to shift from incarceration to support. By addressing the root causes of women’s involvement — such as poverty, abuse and domestic violence — community-based solutions can be created that recognize their humanity, strengthen families and foster true recovery.

REGISTRATION

Registration is required. Register @ https://www.njpac.org/event/set-her-free/#register

PROGRAM

FILM

The program includes the world premiere of “Set Her Free: Exposing the Trauma to Prison Pipeline,” this month’s “PSEG Foundation Social Impact” documentary. The film is executive produced by Newark native Dr. Jamila Davis who is also a featured panelist.

This program will open with a performance by Ritual4Return, an NJPAC Arts & Well-Being program for formerly incarcerated people that uses the arts to create a homecoming rite of passage.

PANEL DISCUSSION

Moderator

The panel conversation will be moderated by Helen Archontou, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Northern New Jersey.

Panel

Dr. Jamila T. Davis, Executive Producer of “Set Her Free”

New Jersey Senator Angela V. McKnight (D-Dist. 31)

Dr. Darcella Sessomes, Chief of Programs and Reintegration Services,

State of New Jersey Department of Corrections
Cass Severe, Founder of Meet Her At The Gate, a survivor-led, trauma-informed reentry initiative grounded in kinship, dignity and community care

Resource Tables

• NJPAC Membership
• WBGO
• NAACP
• YWCA
• Sierra House
• Shani Baraka Women’s Resource Center
• NJ Division on Civil Rights
• Returning Citizens

This event is produced by Women@NJPAC, a powerhouse community of women committed to supporting the Arts Center’s social impact work.

Standing in Solidarity

“Listening. Learning. Sharing. Taking action. Advancing ideas and solutions to accelerate social justice demands that all of us take these simple, powerful steps. Everyone at NJPAC stands in solidarity with those fighting against structural racism, societal inequity, and police brutality, and for civil rights, multiculturalism and authentic inclusion. Changing the world requires the efforts of everyone. Now, more than ever, each of us has an indispensable part to play.”

– John Schreiber, President & CEO, NJPAC

To bring Newark’s community together, and to encourage everyone to take part in the movement to ensure civil rights for all, NJPAC has launched a series of events and initiatives focused on promoting racial equality. On these pages, you can find resources that will help you take action, in the voting booth and elsewhere, and join NJPAC for conversations and discussions that can help you understand the issues we’re all grappling with today. Join NJPAC here to learn more, do more and help our nation achieve the more perfect union it always promised.

“Standing in Solidarity” programming at NJPAC includes: “PSEG Foundation Social Impact Film Series,” “Social Justice Learning Series” and more. The mainstay of “Standing in Solidarity” programming are monthly panel conversations and film screenings, many of which are included in the PSEG Foundation Social Impact Film Series.

In addition, these events feature poets — in partnership with Dodge Poetry — and the in-person ones include resource tables from nonprofit and other organizations.

PARTNERS

“Standing in Solidarity” curating partners are ACLU of New Jersey, City of Newark Office of Film and Television, Eyes Like Mine and Women@NJPAC.

For partnership inquiries, contact Danielle Vauters at dvauters@njpac.org.

Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, Education, Business, Spirituality, Health and Wellness, The Arts and Entertainment, and Cuisine.