An Evening of Black History: Celebrating Music, Memory, and Movement in Huntington, NY
On February 19, a rich tapestry of sound and scholarship emerged at the South Huntington Public Library, where the NAACP Huntington Branch curated an enlightening event titled “An Evening of Black History.” This program served to honor and explore the profound roots of African American culture through song, academic discourse, and thoughtful reflection.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Georgette Grier-Key
The evening’s highlight was the keynote address by Dr. Georgette Grier-Key, the NAACP Long Island Regional Director and a historian and professor at Medgar Evers College. Dr. Grier-Key delivered a powerful and sweeping address that traced the expansive influence of Black music throughout the last century. Following her engaging lecture, Town of Huntington Receiver of Taxes Jillian Guthman took a moment to honor Dr. Grier-Key with a certificate of recognition, praising her for her exceptional contributions to preserving and sharing historical narratives.
“Your brilliance, your knowledge, and your passion for preserving our history and sharing it are so appreciated,” Guthman remarked, highlighting the importance of Dr. Grier-Key’s work.
A Century of Sound
In her address, Dr. Grier-Key centered her remarks on what she referred to as “a century of sound,” emphasizing how Black music is not merely an art form but is foundational to the very identity of America. She poignantly connected the evening’s reflections to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who inaugurated Negro Week—a precursor to Black History Month—stating, “He understood that to capture a people, you had to document their soul. And it is the music. Black music is in the DNA of American identity.”
Historical Reclamation
Dr. Grier-Key passionately advocated for the reclamation of overlooked contributions to music, notably drawing attention to the African origins of instruments like the banjo. “The banjo is an African instrument,” she asserted, emphasizing the connection between Black cultural heritage and the current landscape of American music. “When we think about the twang that we hear in country music, that was born in Black hands.”
The Coltranes: Icons of Jazz
The lecture’s core focused on the legendary jazz musicians John and Alice Coltrane, whom Dr. Grier-Key hailed as “the high priest and high priestess of American music.” She evocatively described John Coltrane’s saxophone playing as transforming into a “prayer pipe.” Instead of merely performing songs, he aimed to generate a “vibrational frequency” capable of healing those who listened. Alice Coltrane, equally influential, was portrayed not as a supporting figure but as an innovator in her own right, showcasing the meditative and cosmic dimensions of their shared musical journey.
Black Music’s Cultural Impact
Dr. Grier-Key eloquently traced the trajectory of Black music from its spiritual roots to contemporary genres, illustrating how it has continually reshaped American culture. “The most sophisticated and intellectual movement in American history—it didn’t happen in the boardroom,” she noted. “It happened in the music room. From spirituals that birthed the blues to the jazz that defined the era to the hip hop that now dominates every corner of the globe. Black music shaped the world.”
A Call to Action
In closing her address, Dr. Grier-Key urged attendees to support initiatives like the Coltrane Home in Dix Hills, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in preserving Black history and culture. “Our music has been that language that brings us together,” she stated, reinforcing the idea that the Coltranes’ legacy transcended music, serving as a unifying force for humanity and a testament to the enduring power of cultural expression.
This evening at the South Huntington Public Library was more than just an event; it was a celebration of heritage, a catalyst for conversation, and a reminder of the vast contributions made by African Americans to the cultural fabric of the nation.
