Principles of Community spotlight: Ebony Lewis sings, Rolling Thunder performs

In the final day before the Principles of Community Showcase, the event committee would like to highlight Inderkum High School’s Varsity Cheer Team, Rolling Thunder, and national anthem singer Ebony Lewis.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Kamisha Driver, Sapriecia Smith, Nia and Nyla Bannister, Breanna Jones, Vonja Johnson, and Anne Kohnen, the Rolling Thunder Cheer team has proudly secured first and second place regional titles in the 2026 cheer season.

Championing diverse backgrounds, community involvement, and athletic excellence, Rolling Thunder brings its all to every occasion. With a combined GPA of 3.75, the squad stands as a beacon of excellence within the school’s 106-athlete program for the 2025-26 sideline, stunt, and competitive season.

The Principles of Community team is excited to welcome Rolling Thunder to the showcase stage.

Additionally, Ebony Lewis is the final anthem performer spotlight. Here’s what Lewis had to say about singing:

How do the Principles of Community resonate with you?

“I embrace our principles in totality. The stanza’s listed below in particular resonate with me, not only in my role as Chief Strategy Officer for Inclusive Excellence, but also as a singer.”

We affirm the dignity inherent in all of us, and we strive to maintain a climate of equity and justice demonstrated by respect for one another. We acknowledge that our society carries within it historical and deep-rooted injustices and biases. Therefore, we endeavor to foster mutual understanding and respect among the many parts of our whole.

We recognize that each of us has an obligation to the UC Davis community of which we have chosen to be a part. We will strive to build and maintain a culture and climate based on mutual respect and caring.

“I believe that music has the power to heal and unite. It is a way that I can utilize my voice through words and sound to “affirm the dignity inherent in all of us” and “foster mutual understand and respect [and] build and maintain a culture and climate based on mutual respect and caring.”

“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to share my gift with others. The Black National Anthem tells a story, one that “acknowledge[s] that our society carries within it historical and deep-rooted injustices and biases” that must be acknowledged in order for us collectively to heal and be whole. We often listen to one or two stanzas, but if we took time to listen to the full song, you’ll hear that it highlights a journey of challenge, triumph, persistence, faith and continued progress. It truly embodies the essence of black history and black futures.”

What calls you to want to sing the National anthem, or perform for your colleagues?

“I’ve been singing all of my life and throughout my educational and professional journey, there have always been organic opportunities for me to share the gift of song. It is wonderful to be able to show up fully as my authentic self in the workplace. To that end, as I mentioned, the Black National Anthem tells a story, one that is part of the history of this country and helps inform future generations. One of the symbols in AAFSA Health’s logo is the Sankofa bird. That image signifies a call to action to go back and get it. To look back and understand our history as we move forward in the future. To know where you’re headed you have to know from whence you came. And that’s exactly what the Black National Anthem signifies to me. Regardless of whether one identifies as part of the African Diaspora or not, this is all part of our history, our legacy and our future!”

Share one experience that recently brought you closer to the Principles of Community at work?

"I will share two examples:

1. College Corps Pitchin' to the Pros (Feb. 6, 2026)
   In early February I had the honor of participating in the UC Davis College Corps Pitchin’ to the Pros during which I was able to connect with undergraduate students to listen to their career goals and intentions. I was also able to respond to their questions and share insights from my professional and educational experiences as they forge their own paths. Being able to foster mutual understanding and respect among students coming together from all walks of life, and to see practitioners from UC Davis and various industries in the surrounding community was encouraging! This experience was a reflection of the ways in which “we will strive to build and maintain a culture and climate based on mutual respect and caring.”
2. Ladies First: Honoring Black Women Leaders at UC Davis presented by AAFSA-Health (Feb. 9, 2026)
   I was one of the panelists and it was such an honor to reflect and share insights from my career trajectory and to hear and learn from the other panelists. Open to all, it was wonderful to see a diverse group of attendees as well. There are so many ways in which this topic highlights the unique journey of women in leadership (very appropriate passing of the baton from Black History/Black Futures Month to Women’s History Month taking place in March) and also embodies key takeaways for anyone navigating professional spaces and looking for strategies to advance their careers and leadership."

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

"I’m more of an introvert than most people might think."

[End of interview]

Thank you, Ebony Lewis, for volunteering to sing at Principles of Community Showcase and for sharing your insights! 

This event is open to all UC Davis and UC Davis Health faculty, staff, learners, and health providers. Participation is voluntary and release time for employees can be coordinated with your supervisor.