Music has always been a powerful tool for preserving and uplifting culture, and as a Black musician, I feel a deep connection to the legacy of African American music. Throughout my journey as a musician and leader, I have sought to honor and share this legacy with others, using music as a way to celebrate our history and culture. As the drum major of my high school’s marching band, I led over 80 of my peers in what we called the Wilde Lake Band Family. This role gave me the opportunity to cultivate a community built on the shared love of music. While my primary responsibility was to conduct and organize performances, I quickly realized that my position was about much more than directing. It was about creating an environment where everyone, especially students of color, could feel proud of their contributions and confident in their identities. Growing up as one of the few Black students in classical music settings, I often felt isolated. However, this experience strengthened my desire to highlight the contributions of African and African American musicians in my work. In my role as drum major, I made it a priority to connect our performances to the deep-rooted history of Black music, from jazz to gospel and beyond. I wanted my peers to understand that the music we were playing was not just entertainment—it was a part of a larger story of cultural resilience and artistic excellence. Looking ahead, I am deeply committed to a career in music education, where I can continue to preserve and uplift African American art and history. I believe that teaching children, especially those from underrepresented communities, about the rich heritage of Black music will empower them to take pride in their identities and see music as more than just a subject—it’s a reflection of who they are. By sharing the stories of Black musicians and composers who have shaped the world of music, I hope to inspire the next generation to embrace their culture and carry it forward. This scholarship would help me pursue my goal of becoming a music educator who not only teaches the technical skills of music but also fosters an appreciation for the history and culture embedded within it. I want to create classrooms where students of all backgrounds can feel connected to the music they learn, and where African American contributions to the art form are celebrated and honored. Through this work, I believe I can play a part in preserving and promoting African American culture for years to come. In my future as an educator, I aim to continue using music as a platform to uplift Black voices and celebrate the deep cultural impact of African American musicians. Through education and leadership, I hope to inspire students to find their own voices, just as music has helped me find mine.