Tag Archives: African American History

Washington DC Jazz Oral History Project, Chapter 8 –Lavenia A. Nesmith

Posted on August 8, 2018 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

*LAVENIA A. NESMITH –a Freelance Jazz and Gospel Vocalist and Recording Artist—Says the Roots of Her Professional Career Can Be Traced to the Church and Her Performances As a Teen with the El Corols Band and Show “I always knew … Continue reading →

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Washington DC Jazz Oral History Project, Chapter 6

Posted on July 29, 2018 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

*CONIECE WASHINGTON – a native of Trenton, New Jersey with roots in the Holiness Church –is also a jazz vocalist and member of DC Legendary Musicians, Inc. In addition to acknowledging the receipt of some sage advice on vocal jazz … Continue reading →

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Washington DC Jazz Oral History Project, Chapter 5

Posted on July 28, 2018 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

*Mosche Snowden — a Trombonist and South Carolina Native — Discusses His Musical Mentors “My father played, my brothers played, and my cousins played. Everyone around me that I was associated with played, so it was the thing to do … Continue reading →

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Washington DC Jazz Oral History Project, Chapter 4

Posted on July 28, 2018 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

*LORI WILLIAMS — Native Washingtonian, vocalist, educator, recording artist, mother, and DC-based international performer — identified Dianne Reeves as her muse but also described individual faculty members and experiences at Virginia’s Hampton University as being some of her most important … Continue reading →

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Washington DC Jazz Oral History Project, Chapter 3

Posted on July 28, 2018 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

*JE’LAN HARWELL — a 13-Year-Old Guitarist and Fan of B.B. King, Prince, Jimi Hendrix, and Jackie Lee—Says We Need to Do a Better Job of Supporting Our Musical Artists. “We have a lot of musicians out there that we probably … Continue reading →

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The Washington DC Jazz Oral History Project, Chapter 2

Posted on July 26, 2018 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

KIM JORDAN—renowned keyboard artist, composer, producer, director, preacher, teacher, mentor, entrepreneur, Howard University alumna, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. —says, “Do not sleep on DC, because this is where the magic happens!” “There is great history here; … Continue reading →

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Meet the “Washington DC Jazz” Oral History Narrators!

Posted on July 23, 2018 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

By Regennia N. Williams PhD Humanities Scholar and Life Member of the Oral History Association From the late spring of 2016 through the early winter of 2018, I had the pleasure of interviewing 23 incredible jazz artists in the Metro … Continue reading →

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“Beams of Heaven” and the Gospel According to Walter

Posted on April 8, 2018 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

Beams of heaven as I go  Through this wilderness below Guide my feet in peaceful ways Turn my midnights into days.  —Charles Albert Tindley This week, I returned to Cleveland, Ohio to celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. … Continue reading →

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Scott-Heron, Hughes, and the Blues

Posted on January 9, 2018 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

The more I learn about Gil Scott-Heron, the more I admire him.  I have long been familiar with his work as a poet, pianist, composer, spoken word artist, and the youthful voice of Black protest in the 20th century. It … Continue reading →

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The DC Living Heritage Network and the Art and Science of Strengthening Humanities Organizations in DC

Posted on August 2, 2017 by Dr. Regennia N. Williams, Founder, President, and Executive Director

In the short time that I have been aware of and actively participating in the small group meetings of the DC Living Heritage Network (DCLHN), I have come to appreciate the vital role that creative thinkers play in both the … Continue reading →

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