The Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestera is a Black music ensemble from Los Angeles founded in 1961 by Horace Tapscott. The Arkestra (Ark or PAPA for short) started as a collective of jazz musicians and other artists who were fired up like no other. The Ark was also formed as a response to the racial inequality in the US. Artists subjected to prejudice who saw opportunities denied to them found an outlet to express themselves via the Ark. The ensemble began with few people rehearsing in Horace’s garage, soon doing free shows at parks and churches, workshops at schools and other public events. Since its inception, the Ark has been performing with an ever-expanding roster of talented artists. Some notable members include: Kamasi Washington, Phil Ranelin, Maia (Sonjia H Harper), Arthur Blythe, Adele Sebastian, Kamau Daaood, and Dwight Trible just to name a few. The Ark is currently mixed with veteran members as well as young musicians, all led by Mekala Session with the help of Jamael Dean and said veteran members.