Professor Jetro Da Silva (far right) stands with, from left: Abe Laboriel Jr. ’93, Abraham Laboriel Sr. ’72, Berklee president Roger H. Brown, and Mateo Laboriel ’03.
Jetro Da Silva is an artist, educator, producer, and researcher. Da Silva’s experience, training as a keyboardist, producer, and arranger has increased his opportunities to work with people such as: Whitney Houston, Jamie Foxx, Patti LaBelle, Pastor Andrae Crouch, Earth Wind and Fire, Chaka Khan, the Pointer Sisters, Gladys Knight, Brandy, Sheila E., Namie Amuro, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Kem, Celine Dion, Patti Austin, Emilio Santiago, Monica, Mary Mary, and many others.
Last week, the Berklee community gathered to reflect and respond to developments in the Ferguson, Missouri coverage. Berklee professor Jetro Da Silva was among those who shared thoughts and personal experiences. The following post from Da Silva builds on those initial thoughts.
I remember when I first met our dear college president, Roger H. Brown. He was very enthusiastic when he found out that I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and with a great smile he said something like (I am paraphrasing here), “I have an impression that Brazil has less of the stark racism than we have in the U.S.?” I responded saying, “No, Roger—I am sorry to disappoint you, but this is not true.” I could see in his face an expression of disappointment or surprise.