About the ISBM

The International Society for Black Musicians (ISBM) is an organization for Black musicians. ISBM is dedicated to the advocacy of Black musicians and their work in the scholarship of music. The contributions of Black musicians are often ignored, appropriated, and deemed to be of less value than that of their non-Black counterparts. ISBM hopes to restructure the narrative by centering Blackness; using the musics of Black musicians as a new point of departure. We strive to be the connective tissue between musical artists throughout the diaspora in their multifaceted forms.

Mission

Our mission is to cultivate an international community of Black musicians through education, performance, collaboration, and the advancement of their work; to facilitate the unlearning of centered whiteness in the scholarship of music.

Vision

Our vision is to shift the focus on whiteness in the scholarship of music, centering the historically ignored contributions of Black musical artists while simultaneously creating an ecosystem of present-day Black musicians across the diaspora.

Goals

Create a network of skilled Black musicians

Foster a community of Black musicians 

Connect the Black community through the celebration of Black music

Augment the contributions and presence of Black musicians across genres

Advance and support scholarship of Black music across genres

Provide opportunity and career advancement to Black musicians

Provide education to Black youth interested in participating and advancing in the music field

Collaborate with institutions and organizations who support and aid in the advancement of Black people