Originally conceived as a medium for Chicago-based multi-media artist/activist Damon Locks’s sample-based sound collage work, Black Monument Ensemble (BME) has evolved from a solo mission into a vibrant collective of artists, musicians, singers, and dancers making work with common goals of joy, compassion, and intention. Galvanized by Locks’s conceptualizing, poeticizing, and guiding vision, the contributors represent the richness and diversity of Black artistic excellence in Chicago. Together they weave unique perspectives and experiences to uplifting, anthemic, and highly animated musical performance.

BME is a multi-generational collective whose members range from 10- 52 years old.