Musical Journalism: Continuing a Legacy through the Flute is a concert inspired by Adam W. Sadberry’s late grandfather and unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement, L. Alex Wilson. Wilson’s work as an editor and journalist changed the world through covering pivotal Civil Rights events including the lynching of Emmett Till, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and the desegregation of Central High School by the Little Rock 9, the last of which played a part in Wilson’s transformation into a martyr.

In this concert Adam intertwines articles that he collected from the archives of the Tri-State Defender, Wilson’s newspaper in Memphis, TN, with music and dance that contextualizes the humanity and inhumanity of the stories.

Flutist Adam W. Sadberry

PROGRAM

William Grant Still (1895-1987) - Mother and Child (1943)

Fred Onovwerosuoke (1960-) - Six Variations on a Pende Tune for Solo Flute

Valerie Coleman (1970-) - Wish Sonatine

Dameun Strange - New Commission

Unknown - He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands

Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson (1932-2004) - Lil’ Lite o’ Mine

Encore: John Newton (1725-1807) - Amazing Grace arr. Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson

Pianist Artina McCain

Dancer Ayo Jackson