Sanctified Riot is a multidisciplinary performance project born out of frustration, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of Black communities. This project creates a space for reflection, defiance, and joy in response to the recurring cycles of systemic oppression and societal rejection. It reclaims narratives by transforming collective anger and fatigue into a celebration of survival and identity through art, music, and communal energy.

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At its core, Sanctified Riot is a “riot” of joy, empathy, and community. It sanctifies the physical and emotional spaces we occupy, celebrating the inherent worth and resilience of Black bodies and voices. Drawing on themes of rebellion and reclamation, the project honors the legacy of those who have labored, fought, and loved—factory workers, farmers, deacons, church mothers, and unsung heroes who have shaped Black culture through grit, survival, and vibrant expression.

The performance fuses spoken word, soundscapes, and music to create an immersive experience. It interrogates the myths America tells itself while amplifying the truths carried by Black bodies across generations. Through this act of storytelling, Sanctified Riot transforms the grotesque labels imposed by systems of oppression into a celebration of rebellion, resilience, and joy. Each breath and movement within this space becomes a declaration: "We are living on. We are living. We are living on."

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This project is both a sanctuary and a call to action—an opportunity for audiences to gather, reflect, and riot together in spirit and solidarity.

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Ziaire Trinidad Sherman worked to create sonic beds for fellow performers/attendees to build upon. He also worked with the AV team to interface the performance setups for clear documentation.

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Performers: Antoine Williams, Dyani Douze, Dzidzor Azaglo, Samiya Bashir, and Ziaire Trinidad Sherman

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Harn Museum of Art, University of Florida