The Delaware County Historical Society (DCHS) today announced a free community program on Thursday, March 23: Understanding Black History Through Black Music. The program will begin at 7:00 PM at the Barn at Stratford (2690 Stratford Road, Delaware).

Using recorded music, presenter William T. (Ted) McDaniel, Jr., PhD., will explore various aspects and periods of black history by examining the music of each era, ranging from the work songs and spirituals of slavery through the rap of modern urban times. Delaware’s own Zion AME Choir will provide musical entertainment for the program.

“This engaging program features historical insights conveyed through discussion, recordings and live music,” said Donna Meyer, DCHS Executive Director. “We are fortunate to have Dr. McDaniel joining us to share his expertise and further our understanding and appreciation of black history and culture.”

Dr. Ted McDaniel, Professor of African American Music at The Ohio State University since 1981, is a specialist in jazz history, jazz performance, and African American music. He retired from OSU in 2015, after teaching there for 35 years. He held faculty appointments in the School of Music and the Department of African American and African Studies, where he served as Department Chair for eight years and has lectured extensively throughout the United States and in Africa, Europe, and China. Dr. McDaniel received his BA degree from Morehouse College and his MA and PhD degrees in music from the University of Iowa. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, he previously taught at Morehouse College and North Carolina A&T State University. He continues to be active as a scholar, teacher, arranger, conductor, clinician and adjudicator in African American music and jazz education circles.

This program is made possible in part by Ohio Humanities, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Reserve your seats on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/understanding-black-history-through-black-music-tickets-543134950257