“Black Stax is a cornerstone of the Northwest community. Working with community and cultural organizations focused on youth, Black Stax showcases social justice through art. ”
Check out the Black Stax newest single, “So Fly” below!
How IT’s GOING
Black Stax was formed in 2009 with a mission to honor the legacy of Black Arts & Culture by ‘stacking’ all forms of Black music & art. A hip-hop performance group with two celebrated veteran artists at its core, Black Stax blends the forces of cultural expression with community building and activism through the sounds of soul. This commitment which recently earned them a Community 4Culture grant to advance their work. MC, Jace ECAj and vocalist/actress Felicia Loud each bring over 25 Years of professional history in the field of arts performance and community work.
HOW IT STARTED
Felicia and Jace were just starting to discover the potential for a powerful friendship when Hurricane Katrina left a path of destruction across New Orleans. Their conversations of exploring common interests turned tearful and angry as the images of devastated Black communities inundated their screens with no help in sight. Compelled to help, Felicia and Jace began to meditate on how they could bring together what they know and who they know to provide aid and restoration to those affected. In collaboration with United Rescue Relief, they organized a music event where all proceeds would go back to New Orleans. True to form, the event included all types of music and established a real sense of community, expression and activism. These were the embers of the force that later came to be: Black Stax.
BIOS
FELICIA
Felicia Loud has worked extensively in Theater. In 2022, she wrote and starred in her one-woman show “Here There Be Dragons” which debuted at ArtsWest in West Seattle. Her work also includes, ‘Pullman Porter Blues’ at Seattle Repertory Theater, ‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill’ at Strawberry Theater and ArtsWest and ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ at Theater Off Jackson to name a few. She was nominated for a Gregory Award in 2018 for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in ‘Lady Day at Emerson Bar and Grill’ and recently appeared in the 5th Avenue Theater’s production of Rock of Ages. She also has worked as a youth director for students, ages 6-12 years old at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center.
JACE
Jace is a veteran Seattle MC who has helped define the scene. He has helped put on panel discussions that range from the accountability and responsibility of artists, developing panels such as the ‘Hip Hop Summit’ in conjunction with Festival Sundiata. He was also the Co-Founder of the Seattle based Festival, Dope Emporium in 2005, a Creative Writing Instructor for Richard Hugo House, Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center and is currently the Artist Engagement Manager for The Residency.
Photographs by Giuseppe Dragonieri
Audio by Leija