In 2023, artist Tossie Long was one of four artists-in-residence selected to participate in the San Francisco Arts Commission's Artist-in-Residence program at the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL). Launched in 2015, this program aims to foster partnerships with City departments, enabling artists to contribute to civic dialogue. During her residency, Long spent time in the San Francisco History Center, the African American Center, and the Arcane Knowledge collection at the SFPL, and was inspired to document the sounds of one of the city’s Black churches, capturing both their decline and the fading musical traditions central to their identity. 

The performance, Sacred Sounds of San Francisco, delves into the intersection of sound, memory and history within the city’s sacred spaces. This exploration culminated in a collection of reimagined gospel songs and soundscapes inspired by the people, objects, architecture and histories uncovered in the research.  

About the Artist 

Tossie Long is a San Francisco native, vocalist, actress, dancer, facilitator; simply put, she is a performing artist. She is a GRAMMY-nominated singer on Best Children’s Album 2018, Rise Shine Woke by the Alphabet Rockers! Long’s voice has graced the albums of other highly acclaimed artist such as TuNeYaRdS, Tumbleweed Wanderers, Sh8peShifter, Pancho Morris and others. Long has performed in gospel choirs, show choirs, recording studios, street actions, theater and live band stages.