We recently had the chance to connect with Abigail Popwell and have shared our conversation below.
Abigail , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Somethings outside of work that brings me joy at the moment are feeding those in need and walking through nature trails. I feel a sense of purpose when I am able to help someone out, even if it is for a moment. I am simply a vessel, and God has blessed me to be a blessing to others in so many ways. By being able to provide food to those who are in need, I feel a sense of purpose, and I hope to inspire others to help out within their communities. We as a people deserve to have access to necessities of life such as food, water, and shelter.
Walking through nature is so healing for me and there is something magnetic about being in the midst of natural beauty that is not performative, but genuine. I feel the energy of the Earth when I walk through nature trails, and I am always in awe with how Mother Nature continues to evolve and blossom. So much history is embedded within the crevasses of the Earth! I love staring, while being curious about how the streams, rocks, and trees have lived for so long, and what they have possibly seen or experienced. What I appreciate most is how much you can learn from nature if you listen astutely and feel intuitively.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi there! My name is Abigail S. Popwell, and I am a Trinidadian-American scholar, conductor, musicologist, activist, and musician based in Atlanta, Georgia. I have taken my heritage as a Black Caribbean-American and applied it to my research, music, and education. My musicianship is ever evolving—as I am an arranger, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. One of my former projects, with a possibility of it being re-vamped, was creating my own community orchestra called the Metro Atlanta Philharmonic (MAP) from 2017-2020. I am currently in my fourth year as a PhD student at the University of Georgia (UGA) studying Musicology with a concentration in Ethnomusicology. I am also a board member for Pamoja Connections, Inc., which recognizes the first Black-founding performing arts ensembles at UGA. Lastly, I am an honoree recipient of the Roy B. Giles Encouragement Award, which recognizes students who have conducted research to the discipline of African-American Studies at UGA.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
When I started band in 6th grade, my music teacher at the time, Mr. Ed Davis, saw something special in me that I did not know I had at the time. I never played music, let alone, percussion before (my primary instrument), but because I saw my dad playing the drums growing up, I was inspired to be a drummer just like him. Mr. Davis really believed in me and saw that I had natural talents on top of good work ethics to become a musician. His words of encouragement have stuck with me throughout my life and I am truly appreciative of his musicianship and expertise. In a place and position where he could have displayed misogyny, racism, and biases, he chose to consistently see me as a human being who wanted to learn how to play music. Looking back, I am truly grateful for him and his teachings, as I would not be the musician I am without his guidance, wisdom, and kindness in my life. I hope that I can one day thank him in person.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One defining wound that I am still healing from is the loss of my brother Stephen. It is almost two and a half years since his tragic death, and it seems as though I mourn more as time goes on. This wound has impacted every aspect of me and my family’s life. I find myself balancing joy and sorrow simultaneously, especially when good things are happening in my life. I cherish pictures and videos of us together and of course miss the times we shared. Hearing how my brother made other people happy brings me some sort of serenity. He was one of the funniest people I knew. My wound may never fully heal, especially because I grieve of how he passed due to police brutality. And I am okay with that. It is an honor to carry such a beautifully heavy burden. It is an honor to shed tears over such a brilliant, comedic, multi-talented human being. It is an honor that I can call Stephen MY brother. I gained resilience and full compassion for people because of his dynamic life story. Although birthdays, angelversaries, and the holidays have been extremely heartbreaking, I will always hold onto the fact that my tears and his blood are not shed in vain.
One of the ways I am healing is turning my pain into purpose. I have been much more creative musically, and want to channel my energy into making dynamic music again. I am slowly coming back into the music scene, ready to add to the conversation.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
What my friends would say is that I advocate for Black people, marginalized individuals, queer people, women’s rights, civil rights, and human rights. They will also say that I really care about making sure Black people feel safe, seen, and heard. I really care for the justice of Black people, protecting Black women, and freeing Palestine, Sudan, Congo, Haiti, and Puerto Rico. My friends will also say that music matters to me because of how it impacts the world. It is so humbling to be part of the conversation and to help make a shift in society for the better of humanity.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people share funny stories when I am gone. I really love to laugh and I love to make people laugh because it truly is the best medicine. I also hope people share how much I care for humanity and want to be on the right side of history. Lastly, I hope people feel inspired by me to want to have a better life for themselves and the world.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abigailpopwell
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abigail.popwell/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@abigailpopwell
Image Credits
Nyah Collins
University of Georgia School of Music
TrueTV
