The hope, Mayree says, is that person might even be inspired to seek a career in building and repairing other instruments.

“There are very few Black people who are in the profession of lutherie,” they say while discussing the craft of building and repairing string instruments.

Being a luthier is quality skilled labor. While their organization is all about sharing music and celebrating heritage, they’re also focused on the development of employable skills.

“American music, quote-unquote,” Mayree says, “is something that Black people are responsible for, so that’s why this became an initiative and a campaign to bring these skills back into the Black community.”

They add, “that way we’re not just asking white people for these banjo reparations. We’re actually using self-determination to create the solution.”

After setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Black Banjo Reclamation Project has steadily been building momentum.

Working with community since the start, the group has held gatherings at the Alena Museum, as well as potlucks at Oakland’s EastSide Arts Alliance and events at the adjacent Bandung Books.

They’ve done workshops in Chicago, Nashville and Port Townsend, Washington. And now, after receiving a grant from the Alliance for California Traditional Arts last year, they offer monthly banjo workshops at The Freight in Berkeley.

Doing this work in the Bay Area is extremely important for Mayree. “My mom was born here,” they say, adding that their grandmother came to the Bay Area from Florida during the Great Migration. “I no longer live here,” adds Mayree, “but it was really important for us to bring this program back to the Bay Area.”

Referring to banjo music, craftsmanship, history and culture, Mayree says, “This is what we’re known for, around the country and around the world. And so, it was just really important to bring that back here.”

The Black Banjo Reclamation Project’s Banjo Showcase is July 13 at 924 Gilman in Berkeley. Tickets and details here.