The New York City Opera has announced that it will broadcast an excerpt from William Grant Still’s “Troubled Island” to celebrate June 19.

The excerpt will feature bass Kevin Thompson performing “I Dream of a World” and will be streamed on the company’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.

“Black Lives have mattered to the New York City Opera since its inception in 1943,” said NYCO General Director Michael Capasso in a press release. “As “The People’s Opera” we were formed to serve ALL people, regardless of race. On Juneteenth, we stand with all who want change now and for the better.  We hope music lovers will enjoy Kevin Thompson’s performance.  The beautiful words by Langston Hughes resonate today more than ever.”

“Troubled Island” was the first opera by a black composer to ever premiere with a major opera company when it debuted at the New York City Opera in 1949. It was also the first opera by an American composer presented at the New York City Opera.