Jazz played a major role not only in the evolution of music in America, but in the history of the civil rights movement as well. Join New Canaan Library for the live video conference “The History of Jazz During the Civil Rights Movement,” a presentation and musical performance by professional flutist Galen Abdur-Razzaq, on Thursday, March 11 7 PM EST. Zoom sign in information will be provided upon registration at newcanaanlibrary.org.

Music educator and professional flutist Galen Abdur-Razzaq will speak about meaningful musical moments from the turn-of-the-century to present-day. Galen will highlight various prominent artists, their music, their influence on the evolution of jazz, and their struggles. In addition, he will illustrate how jazz became a form of advocacy for the Civil Rights Movement, as proceeds from jazz concerts were used to finance major events such as the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington in 1963. The lecture will begin with a flute prelude performed by Galen, and it will be infused with musical examples throughout. Participants will be given an opportunity to test their knowledge of the subject via a trivia quiz.

Galen Abdur-Razzaq studied at the Berklee College of Music and holds a master’s degree in Performing Arts and Education from Rutgers University.