Chris Inserra: A global music, anti-racism teaching artist, multi-linguistic singer, songwriter, choir director, and human rights-immigrant justice activist, Chris Inserra teaches in diverse Chicago communities, inviting children and people of all ages, including immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers to see themselves as global citizens through music and activism. As music director at Wellington United Church of Christ, an Immigrant Welcoming Congregation, Chris utilizes music in building coalitions and as a member of the Immigrant Justice Task Force, organizes in support of refugee and asylum-seeking families. Since March 2020, with the onset of Covid, Chris collaborated with a small core group of Immigrant Welcoming Congregations and communities to initiate the Sanctuary Working Group in support of asylum seekers, which has grown to over 30 faith community and non-profit organizations, meeting weekly to establish foundational support for hundreds of people.
Since the fall of 2008, with a vast and varied musical background both inside and outside of churches, Chris’ unique blend of musical talent and political activism bring vibrancy to worship services and to many aspects of the congregation’s collective journey of faith in action. Chris’ involvement with local, national and international social justice organizations, including the School of the Americas Watch, U.S.-Mexico border communities, women’s cooperatives in Guatemala, and a Chicago-area Palestinian collective, provide her with ample resources to share music as an inspiration for hopeful change. Her song and her faith fuel her own activism.