Last year, UPA fortified the growing bonds of solidarity between African-Americans, Palestinian-Americans, and Palestinians by supporting a Solidarity Studios workshop at Al Rowwad, a Cultural and Arts Society in Aida Refugee Camp, Bethlehem. Solidarity Studios is an initiative bringing the youth and communities of occupied Bethlehem, the Southside of Chicago, and Cape Town, South Africa together under one set of mobile music studios meant to inspire solidarity and help spark positive change (in addition to producing awesome music, of course).

For four days this fall, three Solidarity Studios instructors from Chicago worked with Bethlehem youth, teaching them how to create quality music content on the Ableton Push (pictured above). In addition to new skills, participants emerged from the workshop with a stronger sense of community and solidarity, a deeper understanding of past and ongoing struggles at the local and global level, and new-found inspiration to create music and share their stories and experiences with the world.

“When I heard about the workshop I was so happy,” said Kan’an, one of the participants. “I’ve seen many videos on YouTube about the Ableton Push, so this was my chance to learn how to use this lovely instrument!”

“With this workshop, you use only your fingers and your ear to make new music,” noted Motasem, another participant, “so that’s different. I liked it so much I’m starting now to think about how I can make music, how I can maybe be a rapper, singer or musician or work with a DJ. My favorite part though was when I was speaking with Na’el and Kalonji [two of the instructors] and we started recording the music. We talked about the life here and the life out of Palestine and we spoke about music. They told me about themselves. I liked this workshop.”

The workshop, however, was just the beginning. The students and Solidarity Studios instructors remain in contact and are continuing to collaborate. Additionally, with support from UPA and Solidarity Studios, Al Rowwad now has their own set of music production equipment that the students can use to hone their skills and teach others.  While Chicago and Bethlehem may be geographically divided, initiatives like this lead to greater recognition of shared struggles, create deeper connections and generate positive action between these communities.