Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement

Join us for musical presentation of the history of jazz and its place in the Civil Rights Movement. Enjoy an informative lecture on the link between jazz and civil rights, and a jazz flute performance.

Presenter Galen Abdur-Razzaq  kicks off this virtual event with a prelude on his flute. From there, this presentation chronicles the music from the turn of the century to present day and highlights various artists, their music, their influence on the evolution of jazz, and their struggles. Galen illustrates how jazz became an advocacy for the Civil Rights Movement, with proceeds from jazz concerts used to finance major events such as the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington in 1963. The lecture is infused with music demonstrations.

Galen Abdur-Razzaq is an extraordinary flautist with an extensive performance career. He is also a riveting speaker on the topic of jazz, and has performed at colleges and universities for over thirty years. A former educator, he holds a Master’s Degree from Rutgers University, in Education and Performing Arts, and studied music at Berklee School of Music in Boston. Embracing his love of music and desire to continue educating, he offers an engaging and enjoyable path to music appreciation through his music programs comprised of performances, lectures, and special events.