News

The African diaspora has been defined by DePaul University as a group of descendants of West and Central Africans who spread to other parts of the world, using their language and culture to influence other countries and regions. However, the Atlantic Slave Trade was the main reason many enslaved Africans were forced to migrate from their homeland to the Americas.

Jonathon Heyward, known as the “Converse Conductor,” became the youngest and the first Black music conductor and director for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in its 107-year existence. Now, the 31-year-old plans to use his position to attract more Black youth to orchestral music.