Keynote Speaker Talks About the Role of Music on Social Change

Derrick Ashong Featured Speaker at Annual MLK Celebration

Emory & Henry College highlighted the impact of music on the Civil Rights Movement and other significant events in black history at the college’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration.

The keynote speaker for the celebration was musician, social entrepreneur, and radio/television host Derrick Ashong, who emphasized this year's  theme of: "One Song.  Many Voices: The power of music in times of social unrest."

Ashong has quickly become the voice of a new generation, and in his address he shared with the crowd how music and other forms of communication have the power to affect social change.

In the video posted above, we look back at the role music played in the Civil Rights movement, and how Ashong feels it has the power to shape our future.

Be sure to check out Derrick Ashong's website, to hear a bonus musical video from our interview with Ashong please click here, and click here to see what United States Senator Mark Warner had to say about the day's celebration.