Ani DiFranco is an American singer-songwriter. She has released more than 20 albums. DiFranco’s music has been classified as folk rock and alternative rock, although it has additional influences from punk, funk, hip hop and jazz. She has released all her albums on her own record label, Righteous Babe.

DiFranco supports many social and political movements by performing benefit concerts, appearing on benefit albums and speaking at rallies. Through the Righteous Babe Foundation, DiFranco has backed grassroots cultural and political organizations supporting causes including abortion rights and LGBT visibility. She counts American folk singer and songwriter Pete Seeger among her mentors.

DiFranco released a memoir, No Walls and the Recurring Dream, in 2019, via Viking Books and made The New York Times Best Seller List.

In 2021, DiFranco released the album Revolutionary Love.

Arkesha Baquet was born and raised in New Orleans, attended L. B. Landry High School in the class of 1993. She has a degree in psychology from Southern University of New Orleans, SUNO class of 2000. Arkesha is the proud owner of Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe, a Creole family restaurant located in the heart of the historic Treme neighborhood.

A distinguished former Democratic member of the United States House of  Representatives and founder of Richmond Consulting, LLC., Cedric Richmond is known  for his foresight, keen political intuition, and his commonsense approach to the 3-way  intersection of business, policy, and politics, that is the United States government.  

Congressman Cedric Richmond is the consummate public servant. He was elected to  Congress in 2010, proudly serving the people of Louisiana’s Second Congressional  District. Richmond was re-elected to six successive two-year terms. While in Congress,  he served on the House Committee on Small Business, Judiciary, Homeland Security, and  the all-powerful House Committee on Ways and Means. In recognition of Congressman  Richmond’s tireless work to deliver on social justice and to push corporate America to  address the absence of black representation at the highest levels of business, he was  elected as the youngest person to ever Chair the Congressional Black Caucus.  

Following a successful Congressional career, Richmond joined the Biden Administration  in 2021, as Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the White House Office of  Public Engagement. In that role he directly engaged with constituencies that ranged from  the top CEO’s to Civil Rights Leaders to Youth Advocates.  

Before serving in Congress, Richmond practiced law in New Orleans. He earned a  Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from  Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He earned his Juris Doctorate degree from  Tulane University School of Law and is a graduate of Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School  of Government Executive Program for Senior Executives in Government. He has also  received Honorary Doctorate degrees from Southern University A&M in Baton Rouge,  Louisiana, and Xavier University of Louisiana.

Richmond is active in the community and a highly sought-after public speaker. He is  married to Raquel Richmond, father of Cedric Richmond Jr., and is an avid golfer.

Charlene is a native New Orleanian, a graduate of McDonogh 35 College Preparatory High School.  She holds a B.A. degree in Accounting from Dillard University and a M.A. degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.  Chrlene has 30 years as a Director of Finance in the hospitality industry.  As the Director of Finance for The Roots of Music, Charlene oversees the finance operation, directing long term financial planning, budgeting,  and financial reporting.  She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. New Orleans Alumnae Chapter.

She has a passion for serving her community and impacting the lives of youth in a positive way.  Charlene enjoys spending time with her family, husband of 33 years and grandchildren.  Roots is changing the trajectory of the lives of youth in the city of New Orleans and that is huge. She is excited to be a part of this amazing team.

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon

Derrick was born and raised in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans. A drummer since the age of 5, Derrick is a professional musician and major contributor to the music industry. Since the 1990s, Derrick has performed as the snare drummer with the 2012 Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band.

Derrick believes strongly that music is a powerful force for good. By instilling invaluable skills and self-discipline, music education can provide youth with the foundation to make positive life choices. He has extensive experience with our city’s school marching bands having served as the marching band drum instructor at both high school and middle school levels.

Derrick’s belief in the future of New Orleans and to the preservation and celebration of its great cultural and musical heritage led him to found the Roots of Music. His commitment to improving the life choices of youth in New Orleans and to the success of the program have led to national recognition for the Roots of Music and its leader:

• In 2009, Derrick was named a Top Ten CNN Hero
• In 2010, Derrick was an Energizer Bunny Hall of Fame Top Ten Finalist
• In 2011, Derrick won a Blue Cross Blue Shield Angel Award for outstanding volunteer services on behalf of Louisiana’s Children

Derrick Tabb, Jr. serves as the marching instructor and assistant drum teacher at The Roots of Music, where his work comes full circle. As a student in the early days of the program, Derrick experienced firsthand the impact of Roots, and today, he carries that experience into how he shows up for the next generation.

Raised in the Greater New Orleans area, Derrick was surrounded by the city’s rich musical culture from an early age. That foundation continues to shape both his musicianship and his teaching. With a background in music and education, he is committed to helping students go beyond learning notes to finding their own voice and confidence.

For Derrick, this work extends far beyond music. He is deeply invested in creating opportunities for young people, while building a space where they feel supported, challenged, and proud of where they come from.

Matt Sakakeeny studies the intersections of music, race, and power. He is the author of Roll With It: Brass Bands in the Streets of New Orleans (Duke Press, 2013) and articles in several edited collections and journals, including Ethnomusicology, Black Music Research Journal, and Souls: A Critical Journal of Black Politics, Culture, and Society. He is co-author of Keywords in Sound (Duke Press, 2015) and his work consistently troubles the boundaries between music and sound. He is also co-author of Remaking New Orleans: Beyond Exceptionalism and Authenticity (Duke Press, 2019), exemplifying how his studies of the region go beyond music. Matt has received grants from the National Science Foundation, Awards to Louisiana Artists and Scholars, and the New Orleans Center for the Gulf South, and awards from the Society for Ethnomusicology, the Popular Music Section of SEM, and Tulane University’s Center for Public Service. As part of his community-engaged research, Matt is a board member for Roots of Music and the Dinerral Shavers Educational Fund, and has published in media outlets such as Oxford American and NPR’s All Things Considered. He is also the guitarist and bandleader of Los Po-Boy-Citos and released a solo album in 2018 as The Lonely Birds.

Born and raised in the Gentilly area of New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Shawnell Ware completed high school at St. Mary’s Academy. She then went on to receive a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology at University of Southwestern Louisiana, a Masters degree in Social Work at Southern University at New Orleans, and a doctorate degree from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She currently holds a Specialist Certificate in Children, Youth, and Families, Crisis Intervention and Trust Based Relational Intervention. Dr. Ware is big on family- her two proudest accomplishments are becoming a parent and then a grandparent and also traveling with her family to have them witness her acceptance of her doctorate degree. In her words, “Family means everything to me!” Dr. Ware’s time at The Roots of Music has been rewarding as she feels she’s been given the opportunity to advocate for those in need, empower, and transform lives. She believes that by incorporating music, scholars are encouraged to use the platform for expression, resilience, and growth, while enabling students to find their voice and strength in ways they never though possible. Additionally, Dr. Ware believes in an open door policy and meeting the client where they are to build a trusting relationship; “in order to be a change agent, we must remember to touch the soul.”

Edward Lee Johnson Sr. was born to the parents of Elmer Lee Johnson and Gwendolyn R. Johnson (Willis). At the age of eight he received his first drumming job where he later became the main drummer at the age of eleven. He attended Sarah T. Reed Sr. High School where he played football and played in the marching band. After graduating, Edward continued playing for the local churches and doing gigs around the U.S. He made the decision to attend college at Southern University at New Orleans where he started his studies in music. He also attended South Carolina State University and has played drums for various artists such as Bishop Paul Morton, Tremaine Hawkins, and filled in on drums for the late Rance Allen. He currently teaches at Worley Middle School and The Roots of Music after school program.

Elexis is a New York City native whose work is rooted in community, creativity, and the belief that music can transform young lives. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, she earned an Associate of Culinary Arts degree and developed a deep appreciation for both discipline and craft, as well as bringing people together.

Her professional journey has focused on supporting youth, strengthening community spaces, and helping create environments where young people feel seen and supported. Inspired by the cultural richness of New Orleans and the resilience of its people, Elexis is passionate about contributing to work that uplifts the next generation.

Outside of Roots, she enjoys exploring the city’s food and culture, cooking for loved ones, and finding joy in the everyday moments that make the community feel like home.

Erica Spruille is a passionate advocate for community programming with over 10 years of experience in fundraising and donor management. A born and raised NOLA native, her post-Katrina transition from an illustrious corporate career to a successful nonprofit career was to remove societal barriers to success, create spaces for youth to flourish, and ensure the longevity of New Orleans’ cultural legacy. Spruille is a proud Warren Easton Fundamental Senior High School graduate and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Economics from The Southern University of New Orleans. She enjoys parading and participates with two of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras krewes each year.

Jade Brown-Russell was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Jade has more than 25 years of experience in equity, program design, policy development, and project management. Her niche is developing solutions for systemic inequities in policies and programs across the nation. From government to corporate sectors, Jade’s work is grounded in providing systemic, sustainable, and equitable reform through equity, legal, and governmental relations consulting services.

Jade serves as a consultant to several public and private agencies on strategic planning, diversity, equity and inclusion, policy development and other business solutions, including the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Parish of East Baton Rouge-City of Baton Rouge, the City of Chattanooga, City of Pittsburgh, Plaquemines Port and Harbor Terminal, New Orleans Family and Justice Center, and Baton Rouge Recreation (BREC). Jade is also the outside general counsel for the Finance Authority of New Orleans and Crescent City Community Land Trust in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Jade’s philosophy on building an equitable ecosystem includes a multi-strategy approach to include dismantling systemic racism, promoting racial equity and building the capacity of people for economic and social resilience. Through her personal entrepreneurial journey, one recurring theme became apparent: Black Americans have never had an equal ability to reap the benefits of business ownership. Jade is the Founder of Maroon Inc. and Maroon Workspace, which builds solutions to foster innovation, collaborate with black-owned businesses, and embrace equity through a community of kinship, alliance and power.

Ja’Juan Peters is a dedicated musician and performer whose journey began in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she was born and raised. Her passion for music emerged early, as she began playing the clarinet at the age of 10. During her formative years in middle school, she refined her musical skills and discipline through participation in KIPP Believe’s Symphonic Band, the Irvin Mayfield School of Music, and Project Prodigy. In high school, Ja’Juan marched with the Warren Easton High School marching band, where she also completed her secondary education. Beyond her school commitments, she expanded her musical experiences by performing with the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra and the Trombone Shorty Academy.

Ja’Juan went on to attend Jackson State University, where her leadership and talent flourished. As a member of the Sonic Boom of the South marching band, she served as a section leader, demonstrating both musical excellence and strong leadership skills. During her collegiate career, she also became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, embracing scholarship, service, and sisterhood.

Further broadening her expertise, Ja’Juan completed a two-semester course in Red Wing, Minnesota focused on band instrument repair and returned home to New Orleans to become The Roots of Music
instrument repair specialist. Her position focuses on ensuring that all student instruments are in proper
working condition so that learning and performance can continue without interruption.

“Being part of a program that has such a strong impact on youth development motivates me to give my
best and contribute to a positive learning environment. Supporting students in this way allows me to stay
connected to the music community while helping preserve the culture and excellence that The Roots of
Music represents.”

Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jeff Goldring attended and graduated from Tulane University in 1989 with a BA in Business. He also attended Newman School from K-12, graduating in 1985. During his career in the distilling industry, he has helped grow his family business into the largest distiller in North America. Jeffrey has been a donor from the very beginning and is just getting involved as a board member in 2023, but he loves the organization and its mission. Even though Goldring works around liquor he is in long term recovery and has not had a drink or drug in 22 years.

Jeffrey Seymour bio coming soon

Julian Herbert bio coming soon

Kalea Cook is a New Orleans native with a background in event production, audience engagement, arts education, cultural programming, and community-centered initiatives throughout New Orleans. Her work centers on creating meaningful experiences that connect community and the arts. She currently serves as the Fundraising and Events Manager at The Roots of Music.

Kalea earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Xavier University of Louisiana and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Tulane University School of Professional Advancement with a focus in Nonprofit Leadership. With training in both voice and piano, her values lie in supporting creative expression, expanding access to the arts, and pouring into the next generation of young creatives and musicians through community-centered work.

Being raised mostly in South America, Karon Reese moved to New Orleans in 2011 and fell hard and fast in love with the city. She has an undergrad degree in Creative Writing, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in American Literature from the University of Arkansas. Karon taught English at the university level, but for the last 20 years she has sold real estate. In 2018, she opened Reese & Co, a boutique real estate firm in the Lower Garden District on Magazine Street, along with her partners. It’s a women-owned firm serving all of New Orleans.

When she’s not listing and selling the gorgeous architecture of New Orleans she’s hosting Mardi Gras parade parties, not missing a day of Jazz Fest, and frequenting all of the city’s great restaurants. Karon serves as a board member of the New Orleans Film Society, as vice president of Friends of the New Orleans Library, and assists with fundraising for the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights. Karon first became intrigued with Roots while watching them during Mardi Gras parades. She believes that this organization perfectly encapsulates the spirit of New Orleans and what makes it such a great city.

A New Orleans native with more than 25 years of experience as a music educator, Mr. Rawlins currently serves as Director of Bands at Lake Forest Charter Blue Ribbon School.. Mr. Rawlins has been a part of The Roots of Music for 15 years. Mr. Rawlins has had the opportunity to be a participant of The Tournament of Roses parade on 2 different occasions. He’s a co-founder of the NewOrleans Allstar high school band, which allowed hundreds of students across the city of New Orleans to participate in and enjoy being a part of an elite marching band. Mr. Rawlins’ resume includes experience planning and directing both festival and Madi Gras krewe parades, as well as other community events. Lawrence is a former member of Southern University HumanJukebox Marching Band and serves as the Alumni Band Director on occasion. His knowledge and experience of music and band culture of the city has allowed him to be a resource to his fellow peers and many others. Lawrence’s passion is educating others of music foundation and fundamentals to keep the music culture of the city passing on from one generation to the next.

From decades of work as a band director and music educator, as well as decades of engaging with some of the most important cultural institutions of New Orleans, Mr. Lawrence brings a wealth of experience and deep connections to Louisiana’s music, student musician and cultural communities to the ROM team.

Mary McCullough is a native New Orleanian, who attended the University of New Orleans to attain her Bachelors and Masters degrees. She is Community Engagement Director at The Domain Companies, a NYC-based real estate investment and development firm. As a member of the national leadership team, McCullough oversees corporate philanthropy and social impact work. She joined The Roots of Music as a board member in July of 2017.

Dr. Patrick Bordnick is the Dean of the Tulane University School of Social Work. Dr. Bordnick has over twenty years of experience in clinical and laboratory research on cocaine, marijuana, alcohol, amphetamine, heroin, and nicotine addiction. Research interest areas include clinical medication trials, treatment development, human laboratory studies, behavioral disorders, health/behavioral health, virtual reality, and mobile data collection. Dr. Bordnick has been the principal investigator on a NIH/NIDA R24 Center grant.  In 2004 he received an international award for outstanding scientific merit in VR drug abuse research from the Canada Chair in Cyber Psychology.

Dr. Bordnick is a pioneer in the use of virtual reality for substance abuse assessment and intervention. From 2007-2016, Dr. Bordnick was the Director of the Virtual Reality Clinical Research Lab (VRCRL) at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. The VRCRL under Dr. Bordnick’s direction developed virtual environments for alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, heroin and other behavioral disorders. The hallmark of his work has led to improvements in teaching, research therapies and integrated healthcare.

Dr. Bordnick envisions a world where humans interact seamlessly with technology, to improve teaching, research, therapy, and aid in knowledge building. Using technology to solve real world problems has been the hallmark of his work.  VRCRL Projects included: Virtual reality systems for assessing drug use triggers and craving, Virtual reality treatment software for nicotine and alcohol dependence, Virtual reality programs for studying drug use contexts, and clinical teaching systems based on artificial intelligence platforms.

source: https://news.tulane.edu/bio/patrick-bordnick

For over twenty years as a percussion instructor, Mr. Shoan Ruffin has made an impact in the lives of countless students in the New Orleans area and beyond. Though most notable for being the long time drum instructor at John F. Kennedy High School, Mr. Ruffin has worked with many drum sections past and present, such as Andrew J. Bell Junior High and Sarah T. Reed Senior High. He currently works with the drum sections at St. Augustine Senior High, The Roots of Music and Talladega College.

Ms. Weber is a proud New Orleans native who began her musical journey at just six years old, playing clarinet at McDonogh #42. She continued her studies through Edward Livingston Middle School and graduated from Marion Abramson Senior High School in 2003.

After high school, she became Miquel Bonds’ protégé at Sarah T. Reed Senior High School, serving as assistant director and woodwind instructor. She planned to attend Alabama State University as a music major, but her path shifted in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina displaced her and her family to Dallas, Texas. During that time, she focused on raising her infant daughter and temporarily stepped away from music.

She returned to New Orleans in 2013, still musically inclined and ready to get back to work, but it wasn’t until 2024 when Lamar Heard Sr. gave her the opportunity to serve as his assistant director and woodwind instructor at Pierre A. Capdau Elementary, where she stayed until summer 2025.

When Jaron “Bear” Williams offered her the opportunity to work full-time as a woodwind instructor at
The Roots of Music, she quickly adapted to the environment, staff, kids, and parents. She is passionate
about giving students confidence and motivation to keep practicing so they can become great musicians
and leaders.

Music is all around us, from every heartbeat to foot taps and hand claps. Music is life.

Veronique was initially brought onto our team in 2023, and started with enthusiasm, as she knew just how important the program was at the time. She is an eleven year educator and has taught ELA for eight of those years. She has previously worked as an assistant principle and now works as an English Language Arts curriculum specialist in addition to band instructing. Born and raised in New Orleans, Veronique graduated from THEE McDonogh 35, class of 2009, as their Valedictorian. She went on to graduate from Xavier University of Louisiana with a Bachelors degree in English and a minor in Theology, and is currently three classes away from finishing her masters degree at University of New Orleans in Curriculum and Instruction. In her free time outside of Roots, Veronique also plays trumpet in the Original Pinettes Brass Band. This role has allowed her the opportunity to play at festivals and events locally, as well as across the country and abroad. Playing drums at St. Peter Claver has also taken her abroad to Amsterdam.

Will Snowden is the proud son of Billy Ray and Kay Snowden who were not only Milwaukee public school teachers, but also taught Will why speaking up and speaking out is important. As a New Orleans public defender, Will launched The Juror Project—an initiative aiming to increase the diversity of jury panels while changing and improving people’s perspective of jury duty. He leads workshops around the country as it relates to how implicit bias, racial anxiety, and stereotype threat influence actors and outcomes in the criminal legal system. Will also teaches Constitutional Law and Criminal Procedure at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. As a cello player himself, joining The Roots of Music Board of Directors in 2022 has been a joy for Will to support young people through the language of music.