Leon County Hits the Right Note with Award-Winning Created Equal Program

Yesterday, Leon County Government and The Village Square hosted the tenth annual Created Equal program, "Created Equal: The Rhythm and Resilience of Black Music," at The Moon, 1105 E. Lafayette St. This award-winning program explored the rich history of Black music, showing how it serves as a living chronicle of the Black experience. The evening also featured dynamic performances by Tallahassee Nights Live, who took attendees on a musical journey throughout the program.
 
“As the panelists have stated tonight, to understand Black history, you must understand Black music,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Brian Welch. “This year’s Created Equal event offered a unique opportunity to explore the way music has shaped generations, inspired change, and told stories of resilience and triumph.”
 
In an effort to recognize the significance and evolution of Black music, this year’s Created Equal event delved into how music in Black culture has shaped the Black experience throughout history. Through a discussion-based panel, attendees examined how Black music evolved and how it shaped and reflected Black history and culture. By examining the musical and historical timelines, attendees gained a deeper understanding of the genres, movements, and pivotal moments that influenced the broader cultural landscape.
 
Since 2015, the Created Equal program has brought thousands of citizens together to discuss race-related issues within our community, including previous topics such as the anniversary of the Tallahassee Lunch Counter Sit-Ins and Florida Emancipation Day. This program has won numerous awards for exceptional programming and promotion from the National Association of Counties, Florida Public Relations Association, and the City-County Communications & Marketing Association.
 
“The Created Equal program has a decade-long history of bringing our community together for important conversations,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “By using the power of music to explore the Black experience, this year’s event continued that tradition in a meaningful and impactful way.”
 
Moderated by Director of Content at WFSU Public Media Lynn Hatter, the event featured a distinguished panel of experts, including:

• Dr. Mark Butler – Accomplished composer, choral conductor, and educator.
• Maurice Johnson – Educator and researcher specializing in media, communications, and Hip-Hop culture.
• Dr. Lisa Munson – Professor of Sociology at Florida State University, specializing in inequality, social justice, and Hip-Hop culture.

 "The Created Equal series continues to be a cornerstone of community dialogue in Leon County,” said Christine Cox, Director of The Village Square. “Through conversations about music, we can bridge divides, learn from one another, and celebrate the contributions of Black artists who have shaped our nation’s cultural fabric.”
 
The award-winning Created Equal program builds on the success of previous events and continues to encourage frank conversations on race and racial inequity. The Created Equal program is part of Leon County’s Citizen Engagement Series, which connects residents of diverse backgrounds, education, and age on a variety of topics that matter most in our community. Find the next upcoming discussion at LeonCountyFL.gov/GetEngaged.
 
To view photos from the event, visit LeonPhotos.org/9apr2025CreatedEqual. For more information, contact Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at 850-606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.