Jazz 21: The Voice of Social Change

Jazz and pop legend Quincy Jones (left) speaks to Richmond Community High School guitarist Morgan Burrs, a member of the Richmond All-City Jazz Band, at the Altria Theatre during the evening of the Richmond Forum. The band, formed in part through a partnership with “Jazz 21: The Voice of Social Change,” performed prior to Jones’ talk. Burrs went on to study jazz at VCU and is now a member of the band Butcher Brown, perhaps most known for its collaboration with Little Richard for the “Monday Night Football” theme.

"Jazz 21: The Voice of Social Change," part of then-Richmond CenterStage's Education Initiative seeking to educate Richmond and Chesterfield school children about civil rights history and the jazz musicians who are interrelated with it, prompted the examination of current issues of civil rights and social change and invited middle, high school, and college students to find their public-speaking voice, to express themselves, to articulate as leaders of their peers and as our future leaders: "Have something to say. Find your voice to say it. Accept the risk involved."

Director of Jazz Studies Antonio García co-planned and co-taught the curriculum with local arts groups including the Richmond Jazz Society, Richmond Shakespeare, Theatre IV/Barksdale, and Elegba Folklore Society, partnering with Providence Middle School in Chesterfield and Richmond Community High, Collegiate School, St. Catherine's School, St. Christopher's School, St. Gertrude High, and Trinity Episcopal School in Richmond.

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