This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. The Community Unity Music Education Program (CUMEP) is a not-for-profit organization established in 2002 that serves children from neighborhoods throughout Ithaca, New York. Exercising a curriculum invested in performing arts education, human rights education, and identity empowerment, CUMEP is an educational opportunity provided in downtown Ithaca, New York every summer. The program was founded upon the desire to provide participating youth with authentic cultural instruction in music and the arts for the purpose of supporting the development of a positive academic identity, social identity, confidence, discipline, and public performance skills. Through involvement in the program, everyone establishes relationships with positive role models who reinforce these skills. Instruction and leadership is provided primarily by local educators, parents, and college students who help participants develop a great level of awareness and excitement about college and career opportunities as well. CUMEP is a college/university and community collaborative project that trains young people to be leaders while highlighting talented local youth. In my presentation, I look forward to sharing the brief history, philosophy, and existing practice of an uplifting curriculum grounded in peace/coexistence (egalitarianism) to improve our society. Dr. Nia Nunn Makepeace is a native of Ithaca, New York. She serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education at Ithaca College. Dr. Nia’s previous work experience includes serving as a School Psychologist at Beverly J. Martin (BJM) Elementary School, and the Executive Director of the Southside Community Center (SSCC) in Ithaca, New York. Dr. Nia graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Clark Atlanta University and completed a Doctorate of Philosophy in School Psychology from Michigan State University. Her teaching, and research endeavors are imbedded in educational psychology, child/adolescent development, and special education. Undergraduates, who study under Dr. Nia, participate in service learning projects that provide direct service to children and families in the community, while actively exploring topics related to race, gender, power, privilege, oppression, and the different human responses in social structures. Dr. Nia’s passion for teaching also includes directing the Community Unity Music Education Program (CUMEP), a community based curriculum invested in performing arts education, human rights education, and identity empowerment. Raised in a culture dedicated to strengthening community and serving as a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Dr. Nia is committed to serving as an agent of social transformation. About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

The kids get some fresh air and music as Fe Nunn performs "All of Us". Watch as the good vibes of Fe Nunn spread to the kids. Community Unity Music Eduacation Program, Ithaca NY, Summer 2009.

Community Unity Music Education Program - Ithaca College students spent a semester in Ghana and taught the students this tribute in the summer camp

Here's a look behind the scenes at the Community Unity Music Education Program (CUMEP) which takes place at Southside Community Center. This video was brought to you in part by Downtown Ithaca Alliance. www.downtownithaca.com Dancers from the ad: G-Quan Booker, Harmony Malone, Remanu Steele Music: "Prime Time (Andrew Voltage remix)" - Fall Creek Brass Band Video by Jacob Mroczek The Ithaca Voice 2018

Community Unity Music Education Program (CUMEP) performs "Hell You Talmbout" at Southside Community Center in Ithaca, NY. Video citation in interview: "Hell You Talmbout" (YoungArts Transformations film project) https://youtu.be/17KyuCd8nl0