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Press Release
Sing Out for democracy Brings Greater Clevelanders Together to Give Voice to What Unites Us
Free, nonpartisan civic engagement initiative taking place Sept. 24 at Cuyahoga Community College’s Eastern Campus features a 56-member Chorus, voter registration and a community pledge wall.
CLEVELAND, Sept. 1, 2026 — A volunteer-led group of Greater Clevelanders invites the community to come together through music for Sing Out for democracy, a free civic engagement initiative demonstrating nonpartisan civic participation and a shared commitment to the future of American democracy. At the center of the initiative is a unique mainstage choral event on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Cuyahoga Community College’s Eastern Campus, Simon and Rose Mandel Theatre.
“At a moment when we’re often being driven apart, we wanted to use the unifying power of music to champion where we’re in agreement, regardless of differing political and ideological views,” said Amy Morgenstern, founder of Sing Out for democracy. “Joining together to promote the promise of democracy and our shared responsibility to help ensure that promise is carried forward for future generations matters now more than ever.”
The signers of the Declaration of Independence provide an inspiring example of what can happen when people come together. Despite their various affiliations based on colonial legislatures, Patriot vs. Loyalist divides or emerging Federalist-Antifederalist views (political parties were later formed), the 56 representatives of America’s initial 13 colonies endorsed and signed the Declaration of Independence.
The organizers aim to commemorate this remarkable, defining act of shared purpose during the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence through a thoughtfully curated program featuring a choral performance. The organizers also hope participants learn something about America’s founding.
Directed by Dr. Marc Weagraff, professor of Voice and Choral Studies at Baldwin Wallace University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts, the 56 singers will perform 13 choral selections reflecting themes of freedom, community and the promise of American democracy.
The evening will also offer opportunities for civic participation and reflection. The nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland will provide voter registration, and attendees will be invited to contribute to a community pledge wall sharing what democracy means to them. Guests will also receive pocket editions of the United States Declaration of Independence.
While not a fundraiser, this initiative is made possible by the financial generosity of The George Gund Foundation, KeyBank, Medical Mutual, thunder::tech, Oswald and individual donors. Tri-C and the Tri-C Foundation are providing the Simon and Rose Mandel Theatre pro bono. The Tri-C Foundation also serves as the initiative’s fiscal sponsor.
Visit singoutfordemocracy.com for more information, to reserve your free ticket or to make a fully tax-deductible donation to this volunteer-led initiative.
Event Details
- Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026
- Cuyahoga Community College, Eastern Campus
- Simon and Rose Mandel Theatre (4250 Richmond Road, Highland Hills, Ohio)
- 6 p.m. — Doors Open and Check-In
- 6:30–7:30 p.m. — Mainstage Choral Performance
- 7:30 p.m. — Dessert Reception
About Sing Out for democracy
Sing Out for democracy is a nonpartisan civic engagement initiative bringing Greater Clevelanders together to give voice to what unites us. The initiative is led by founder Amy Morgenstern alongside Susan Oguche and Marianne Crosley, in collaboration with Tri-C Foundation Vice President of Development Megan O’Bryan, Melanie Majikas and the Tri-C team.
Educational Partners include Cuyahoga Community College, Baldwin Wallace University, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Public Library, Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga County Public Library and John Carroll University.
Media Contact
Susan Oguche
Founder and Principal, Brilliance Communications LLC
susan@brilliancecomms.com
SingOutForDemocracy.com