On Sunday, July 20, at 7:00 pm, Justice Southbury will offer the twenty-fifth in its Speaker Series of interactive Zoom conversations.
Stanford Thompson, a nationally recognized arts leader whose project was featured on “60 Minutes” on March 16, 2025, will discuss “Breaking the Sound Barrier: Equity, Justice, and Possibility in Classical Music.”
Justice Southbury is honored to welcome Stanford Thompson, a nationally recognized arts leader and social entrepreneur whose work sits at the powerful intersection of music, education, and racial justice. As the founder of Play On Philly and Executive Director of Equity Arc — featured on 60 Minutes on March 16, 2025— Stan has been at the forefront of building pathways for musicians of color to thrive in a field that has long been shaped by exclusion. He will take us inside the work of Equity Arc and offer a compelling vision of how we can dismantle barriers, reimagine excellence, and build a more equitable future for the arts and beyond.
Stanford Thompson is Executive Director of Equity Arc and a principal of Goldsmith Strategies where he is a leading national voice in arts education and leadership, specializing in promoting cultural equity and driving transformative change within underrepresented cultural communities. As the founder and former leader of Play On Philly, Stanford guided the organization for thirteen years, gaining international recognition for its use of music as a tool for social change. He also served as the Founding Board Chairman of El Sistema USA and Equity Arc, where he led complex strategic planning and organizational design initiatives that impact the lives of over 35,000 students across the country.
Stanford’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the national conversation around equity in the arts, advocating for systemic change that creates more inclusive and accessible opportunities for cultural communities of all types. His expertise is sought by organizations ranging from small grassroots initiatives to major cultural institutions, where he helps leaders navigate the complexities of program development, audience engagement, and financial sustainability. A frequent keynote speaker and panelist, Stanford shares his insights on topics such as nonprofit leadership, arts education, and the role of the arts in personal development.
Stanford teaches on the faculty of the Global Leaders Institute, guiding leaders in not only developing their craft but also understanding the broader societal impact of their work. His extensive experience working with arts and cultural organizations, educational institutions, funders, and national service organizations aligns with his personal commitment to fostering sustainable growth and equity in the arts.
A proud graduate of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Talent Development Program, Stanford holds degrees from the Curtis Institute of Music and New England Conservatory.
Justice Southbury is a local non-partisan group whose mission is to cultivate an inclusive community where all are treated fairly and welcomed as equals.
All are invited to attend. Those who wish to receive the Zoom link may email justicesouthbury@gmail.com.
The Southbury Record 