This Black History Month, AGMA is proud to spotlight AGMA chorister Neema Meena, whose journey reflects resilience, excellence, and the power of representation. From becoming the first Black graduate in Vocal Performance at Wagner College to building community at Washington National Opera during a time of change, Neema’s story reminds us why visibility and solidarity matter on and off the stage.
“As a Black opera singer and AGMA member, I am grateful to contribute my voice and perspective to our community.
My mother introduced me to the performing arts as a hobby to help me overcome shyness. Little did she expect my passion for it would grow so strong. I excelled in math, and she envisioned me pursuing a STEM career, so she ensured I had significant exposure to STEM subjects—starting with my kindergarten at NASA’s Goddard Child Development Center and continuing through technology-focused schools. When I reached college, I initially planned to major in Math and minor in Musical Theater, but I couldn’t ignore the pull of the stage and eventually switched to Vocal Performance.
My academic journey in the performing arts began as a hobby and culminated in 2023 with a degree in Vocal Performance, making me the first African American to earn this degree from my school. Being able to say, “I am the first Black person to graduate with a degree in Vocal Performance from Wagner College,” is a tremendous honor. As one of the program’s earliest students, I was effectively helping to shape the major while it was still finding its footing.
I am incredibly grateful to be a chorister with the Washington National Opera (WNO), appearing in significant Black-led productions such as AIDA and Porgy and Bess. It was heartwarming and healing to build my opera community in the DMV among Black opera artists. Having Porgy and Bess as my first show with WNO was a privilege, and AIDAwas another fantastic opportunity. Connecting with friends I made through Porgy and Bess made me feel more grounded at WNO because I had a support group of people who look like me and understand what I’m going through.
I became an AGMA member at a pivotal moment. I’m part of AGMA because of the Washington National Opera, and the Kennedy Center was our home. Now we’re having to let that go, and everything feels uncertain.
Throughout these changes, AGMA has played a vital role. We have held several meetings to discuss what our future might look like. The Union has remained transparent—sharing as much as they know about what’s next while continuing to provide support and acknowledge the difficulty of this time. The reassurance I receive gives me hope.
As I continue my journey, I love moving people through the stories I am entrusted to tell and hope to inspire others like me—especially those who do not often see themselves represented in the performing arts, particularly in opera. I know there are icons in this field, but even now, when I walk into an audition room, I can count the Black people on one hand. My goal is to make it far enough for others to see someone like them and say, ”Hey, look, a Black girl is doing this. I can do it as well.”
I share my story to honor my Black heritage and to affirm that our diverse experiences continue to strengthen the fabric of AGMA and the performing arts, while also inspiring another young “Neema” who may be facing discrimination or self-doubt.”