A Night at the Morton: Celebrating Black Traditions in Athens Musical Culture

Morton Program
The Morton Theatre

Long known as an epicenter for rock and alternative music, Athens, GA is also home to a vibrant tradition of black music. “A Night at the Morton” highlights the diverse African American music soundscape in Athens through a program designed for music lovers of all ages and backgrounds. Performers include the Athens Voices of Truth community choir, directed by James R. Smith; the African American Choral Ensemble, directed by Gregory Broughton; and a dramatic enactment by theatre and film professor Freda Scott Giles. The evening will present music both sacred and secular, along with readings by renowned poet and professor Ed Pavlic, commentary by noted civil rights scholar and professor Barbara McCaskill, and interviews of key personalities.The event is part of the Willson Center for Humanities and Arts, Athens Music Project, an interdisciplinary research initiative directed by professors Jean Ngoya Kidula and Susan Thomas of the Hugh Hodgson School of Music.

Support African American Studies at UGA

The Institute defines support in diverse ways to give you as many options as possible to assist in our mission. We consider “friend-raising" as important as fund-raising. Your financial contributions and support help us to develop and strengthen our programs and offerings, both on campus and in the community. 

Your gift makes a big difference. Learn more about how you can donate today.

Study within African American cultural history provides a basis for understanding political, social, and economic relations throughout human history.