A Higher Hand Guides Me declares that every act of creation can be an intimate communion with God. This opera draws inspiration from the work of Lou Nell Sims, a self-taught mixed media artist from the Tenth Street Historic Freedmen's Town District. Working across a wide range of mediums, Sims reshapes forms of worship in her image. Rooted in a compelling Christian faith, she invites viewers into her holy, creative practice through abstract forms imbued with deep spiritual meaning. This performance is a sonic dedication to Black vernacular expression, improvisation, and worship.

Presented by Johnny Brown

A dynamic tenor and multidisciplinary performer based in Dallas, Johnny Brown is known for weaving together musical genres into immersive storytelling experiences. He’s been featured with the Dallas Opera, Fort Worth Opera, the Orpheus Chamber Singers, Verdigris Ensemble, the Dallas Bach Society, Grammy-winning artist Kirk Franklin, and more.

Creative Direction by Hakeem Adewumi + Juneteenth House

A Nigerian-American photographer, creative director, and Fulbright Fellow, based in Dallas, Texas. His work explores the intersections of Blackness, spirituality, identity, and memory across various mediums, including portrait photography, installation, and archival storytelling. His recent work has been exhibited as the Artist-in-Residence for the esteemed Gardner Museum in Boston, Massachusetts, and the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.

In Partnership with [bc] Workshop

The buildingcommunityWORKSHOP (bcWORKSHOP) is a Texas-based nonprofit design center committed to improving the livability of communities through thoughtful, inclusive design. Their work centers community voices, especially in under-resourced neighborhoods, and creates spaces where art, architecture, and storytelling intersect.

This program is partially supported by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.

*NOTE* this is an outdoor event