UIW Celebrates the First Week of Black History Month with Study of Music

This week, the University kicked off its annual celebration of Black History Month. On Monday, Feb. 3, members of the community gathered both in person and virtually to participate in a roundtable discussion that explored “The Role of Black American Gospel & Spiritual Music Traditions: Inspirational Adult Education Pedagogy.” The event examined the historical and contemporary role that Negro Spirituals, Black Church Music and Contemporary Gospel have played as instruments for adult education and revolutionary spiritual development among adults.

The event was led by speakers Dr. Lisa Brown, assistant professor in the Dreeben School of Education; Lisa Caldwell, PhD student; Dr. Marc Gray Jr., director of Education at Ursuline College; Dr. Kevin Goode, the Church of the Harvest Church of God; and Dr. Paulette Isaac-Savage, professor of Adult Education at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

Together, attendees listened to various Gospel songs and music, starting with older pieces and gradually moving to contemporary works. The group took the time to listen intently and analyze the songs’ lyrics, tones and styles, considering their messages and how the music reflects the history of the Black community.

For example, Louis Armstrong’s song “Go Down Moses” from the album Louis and The Good Book, finds connection between the story of Moses striving to free his people from bondage in Egypt and the Black community’s pursuit of freedom and equality. Attendees reflected on both well-known and less familiar songs, expanding their knowledge of the stories captured in their lyrics, melodies and rhythms.

“It’s such a blessing when you have the dual benefit where your academic scholarship can help minister renewed life, purpose, and knowledge to others,” noted Brown.

Stay tuned for more educational and celebratory Black History Month events to come! Throughout the month of February, UIW will continue to host events featuring students, faculty and community members who will recall their experiences, reflect on Black history and the current issues of social justice our country faces and share steps we can all take to create a more just society.

Click here for a full list of UIW Black History Month events.