Why Knowing Our History Matters

History is not just a collection of dates and events—it is the foundation of our present and the blueprint for our future. Every moment in time shapes the world we live in today, and nowhere is this more evident than in Black history. From the resilience of enslaved Africans to the cultural revolutions of the Civil Rights Movement, Black history is a testament to strength, creativity, and the power of the human spirit.

One of the most profound contributions of Black culture has been its impact on music. Music has long been a form of resistance, a source of healing, and a way to tell the stories of a people who have continuously shaped the landscape of American life.

The Influence of Black Innovators on Today’s Music

Black musicians, poets, and cultural innovators have paved the way for nearly every genre of music we know today. Spirituals, born from the pain of slavery, evolved into blues and gospel. Jazz broke boundaries and redefined musical expression. Rock & roll, hip-hop, and R&B—all carry the imprint of Black pioneers who dared to create something new, something bold, something timeless.

Figures like Nina Simone, Sam Cooke, Billie Holiday, and countless others didn’t just make music; they shaped history. Their songs became anthems for justice, change, and empowerment. The sounds they crafted still echo in today’s music, proving that Black culture is not just a part of history—it is history in motion.

Experience the Music, Feel the History

This February, I invite you to experience a musical journey through Black history. My show walks through a timeline of the Black experience in America, highlighting the poets, musicians, and revolutionaries who have defined generations. Through music and storytelling, we’ll honor the voices of the past and explore how their legacies continue to inspire us today.

Join me for an unforgettable performance as we celebrate Black excellence, resilience, and the music that shaped a nation.

Show Dates & Locations

📍 Tuesday, Feb 11 – South Louisiana Community College | 12:00 PM | Crowley, Louisiana
📍 Wednesday, Feb 12 – South Louisiana Community College | 11:00 AM | Abbeville, Louisiana
📍 Monday, Feb 17 – University of the Ozarks | 7:00 PM | Clarksville, Arkansas
📍 Thursday, Feb 20 – East Mississippi Community College | 12:15 PM | Mayhew, Mississippi
📍 Friday, Feb 21 – Arkansas State University | 6:00 PM | Jonesboro, Arkansas
📍 Monday, Feb 24 – Jackson State Community College | 12:15 PM | Jackson, Tennessee
📍 Tuesday, Feb 25 – Alice Lloyd College | 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM | Pippa Passes, Kentucky
📍 Wednesday, Feb 26 – Reinhardt University | 11:00 AM | Waleska, Georgia

Come be a part of this powerful tribute to Black history and the music that continues to shape our world. I can't wait to share this journey with you!

Learn more about the show here.