Ohio Humanities honors 70 years since Brown vs. Board

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Lincoln School Marchers story is one that we have shared over the last few years.

Mothers and children marched for two years to end segregation in Hillsboro, Ohio after the historic Brown vs Board of Education decision. This month marks 70 years since the ruling. Ohio Humanities, who produced the Marchers documentary, is holding a special event exploring the impact then and now.

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The evening will include a viewing of The Lincoln School Story, musical performances by the Central State Chorus and a panel discussion on the civil rights movement, featuring Dr. Ted McDaniel, a professor of African American music at The Ohio State University, discussing the role of music on the movement.

“So we have a body of songs, of course, that we identify with the particularly with the civil rights movement, which Dr. King served as the drum major if you will,” said Dr. McDaniel.” You use the source you are familiar with. It’s a lot of call and response and all it takes is a strong song leader.”

Much of the music from that era and beyond Dr. McDaniel refers to as “message music”, music providing an outlet to express what was happening at the time.

“You can’t talk about history without talking about culture. And what is music particularly. Music is a repository of Black history and Black life and Black experience. So, music has always been part of all of the historical events,” said Dr. McDaniel.

The event called “Brown at 70” is taking place Thursday from 6-9 p.m. at the Lincoln Theatre. Tickets are $10 at the door. You can learn more about the event at https://www.ohiohumanities.org/brown-70/.

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