Sacramento State students, faculty and a few guests including Mrs. Opal Mann, who was the pianist for Lionel Hampton and showcased for Billie Holiday, presented a dynamic selection of acts and musical performances in celebration of black history this Sunday, Feb. 8., at the Black History Month concert.

The concert, presented by the Blessed Assurance Ensemble, performed works of nineteenth century black classical composers and featured a tuba quartet, tap-dancing, pieces by Duke Ellington, Senegal drumming and an enactment of Langston Hughes’ “The Negro Mother”.

Portia Njoku, Masters student in tuba and composition, performed a two-part piece of music she wrote entitled “Elegy for a King” and “Fanfare for a King”, which was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with the tuba quartet. “My favorite part of my involvement in the concert is being able to share that inspiration I felt through my music with everyone in the audience,” she said.

Tuba professor Julian Dixon has been a part of the Black History Month concert for the past three years and says he loves sharing the event with his students.

“We are celebrating what our people bring to music. Black history is diverse and it shows in our talent and creativity,” said Dixon.

Richard Cionco, professor of piano, said that his goal is to continue to have this event every year because “celebrating the greatness of black history is important to us.”

Tammy Nazanda can be reached at [email protected]