SOL DEVELOPMENT

BE-IMAGINATIVE was founded in partnership with SOL Development (Source of Light) — an Oakland based Hip-Hop, Soul, and Jazz collective of educators and freedom fighters whose music mirrors Nina Simone’s quintessential words: “It’s an artist’s duty is to reflect the times.” The band offers music to illuminate today’s socio-cultural and political climate, matching it with a sound that allows the listener to feel empowered in finding their activism and healing.

The band released their full-length debut album, The SOL of Black Folk: Of The Dawn of Freedom in February 2019. The album title pays homage to W.E.B Du Bois’ The Souls of Black Folk and is especially connected to his chapter “Of the Dawn of Freedom.” SOL Development’s hope filled messages have created and supported spaces centered around healing Black and Brown communities. Evidence of their work, of which has received national acclaim, can be found in the Emmy award-winning film Dear Beloved: Music & Storytelling with SOL Development & BE-IMAGINATIVE.