ENGAGING MUSIC THROUGH BLACK HISTORY By Nicole Cherry, D.M.A. Assistant Professor of Violin
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he age-old Nigerian Igbo proverb “oran a azu nwa” translates into “it takes a village to raise a child.” This proverb conveys that even in crisis, we build bridges. In many ways, African American culture is the offspring of this message. While the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the injustices facing Black communities and many important issues are in question within our nation, artists have historically come to the forefront in the interest of restoration and the Black community convenes to strengthen each other.
Carver and what books did Zora Neale Hurston write? Before the topic became current, my parents encouraged an environment that would question Jemima on a syrup bottle or the contentious “friendship” between sitcom personalities George Jefferson and Archie Bunker. As I danced frenziedly to “Billie Jean” in my room, my brother enlightened me that producer Quincy Jones was a key component in Michael Jackson’s success.
2021 marks the 45th anniversary of Black History Month as a national celebration. Often a source of frustration given that disseminating information need not be designated to a time period, strategic practices to champion and document those that have made the world a better place is a much-needed call to action. Embracing our collective history empowers the succeeding generations and facilitates lasting change. In my formative years, my parents reflected upon Negro History Week initiated by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. They also reminded me that there was a time of no celebration. Amidst our mealtime dialogue, questions were posed, such as who is George Washington
Dr. Dominique-René de Lerma
