Diversity and Inclusion, a quick Google search of these words and you will find about 375,000,000 results in 0.67 seconds. The current events involving racial injustice and brutality have created a sense of urgency for individuals and businesses to show their support of various cultures by adding those terms into their agendas, events, and courses. Although used widely, little is still being done to create an uplifting atmosphere that encourages true diversity and inclusion.

This week’s DC Music Summit, (DCMS) however, is being intentional in creating an uplifting diverse and inclusive atmosphere to provide a hub for information, engagement and inspiration for the creative musicians in the DC, Maryland and Virginia area. The theme of this year’s event is, “The Year To Empower”, and the team working behind the scenes is making sure that the marginalized music creatives feel seen, heard and valued, going beyond the buzzwords of diversity and inclusion.

Cynthia Gross is one such team member who works with the Programming and Communications Department for the event. The team handpicked participants and programming for this event stating that the programming needed to be relevant, representative and allow for a safe space for attendees. In a field where there is usually competition, the DCMS uniquely seeks to allow for collaboration.

Cynthia feels she has a unique viewpoint this year. Last year, she provided media coverage for the DCMS 2020 in person event. What impressed her the most was the passion and personal touch that the founder, Dior Ashley Brown, had for the event and for anyone who was there. Dior didn’t dismiss her as just the Press, but took time, talked with her, and introduced her to the team. When given the opportunity to be a part of the event this year, there was no doubt for Cynthia that she had to be a part of something so powerful and positive.

Stephanie Mathis also excited to be a speaker at this year’s event. Stephanie Mathis, Esq., is an attorney and owner of a DMV-based law firm, SKTLegal, a law practice focusing on entertainment law, copyright and trademark law, nonprofit law, and business law. As an artist, Stephanie can relate to musicians and understand their passion in wanting to just simply create and not worry about the legal aspects of their music career. As an attorney, however, she knows that by leaving bases uncovered, and not having knowledge of the law and how it can protect you, can leave an artist losing rights to their music and not being able to monetize their work.

Stephanie has a quote that she lives by, “Pay now or pay later”. She hopes that with her presentation, she will help guests to understand that if you pay in the beginning with your time, with learning about contracts and moving parts of the business, you won’t have to pay later with loss.

Stephanie states that two words come to mind when she thinks about what this event will bring to the attendees.

1. Community

2. Accessibility

There will be a sense of community with having a diverse group of musicians all in one virtual setting learning and thriving from one another. Attendees will receive access to people that they may normally not have access to regularly. For example, consulting with an attorney, being able to ask questions and getting solid recommendations is usually something that would not be an option for an artist, especially at the beginning of their career. Stephanie is donating her time and knowledge because she believes in the overall goal of the DCMS to give creative artists the resources they need to succeed!

The DCMS is being offered as a 3-day virtual hybrid event that allows attendees to be online and for a limited number of registrants to attend an in-person viewing party.

Would you like to attend this event? You can still register HERE

You can also find additional info at: www.dcmusicsummit.org