A poet from South Carolina is reaching a legendary stage. Traci Neal’s words will premiere at Carnegie Hall in March. Her work is part of a major national project called Letters to America. The project centers the voices and experiences of Black women. Grammy-winning soprano Karen Slack will sing Neal’s letter, set to music by composer Brittany J. Green.
Neal spoke exclusively with Allnewsblackwomen about this tremendous honor. I do not take this opportunity lightly,
she told us. Her selection connects her Midlands roots to one of the world’s most famous concert halls. This event commemorates America’s 250th anniversary in a profoundly new way.
Traci Neal’s Poetic Journey to Carnegie Hall
The path to this debut began with a personal email. Ashleigh Gordon, Artistic Director of Boston’s Castle of our Skins, thought of Neal. Gordon sent her a submission link for the project. Neal was immediately drawn to the mission of Letters to America.
She specifically asked composer Steven Alesso if she could submit poetically. He encouraged her to do so. I submitted it as a PDF in the form they had online, and the rest is history,
Neal explained to us. Her piece was chosen from a nationwide call. It will now be heard in a historic space that has often excluded Black artists.
The Powerful Mission of Letters to America
Composer Brittany J. Green’s vision is groundbreaking. The project reimagines American historical documents. It does this through the lens of Black women’s community-sourced letters. Green states the significance is immense.
The significance of this work… cannot be understated,
Green writes. Black women’s voices have been ignored or shut down for centuries. This project literally places them center stage at Carnegie Hall. It invites all audiences to see America through their eyes and experiences.
Neal’s Message of Empowerment and Strength
For Traci Neal, this moment is about more than personal achievement. Her writing consistently focuses on empowerment and advocacy. She shared her core message with Allnewsblackwomen.
My main message will always be for each individual to feel empowered,
Neal said. She uses words to give reflection and a call to action. Her goal is to compel people to never give up. She hopes her work helps people gain strength to face challenges head-on.
A Historic Premiere and Lasting Impact
The premiere is set for March 11, 2025. Karen Slack and the American Composers Orchestra will perform the new work. The writers, including Neal, will be acknowledged during the live event. This celebration creates a new, inclusive chapter for classical music.
Ultimately, Letters to America is a conversation across time. Present-day Black women’s voices engage with national history. Traci Neal’s poetry becomes part of a lasting, powerful composition. Her journey from the Midlands to Carnegie Hall inspires a new generation of writers.
