There's history in music, and there's power in influence -- and African-Americans easily have had an immeasurable influence on the fundamental meaning of music.
For some African-Americans, music is their soundtrack to life, so to speak. They created genuine songs and candidly sung about struggle and empowerment that were nothing short of inspiring.
This Monday (Feb. 13 at 6 p.m.), join the National Park Service in honoring African-American history with a program entitled "Traveling Through Music and History" at Ford's Theatre
(511 10th St. NW, Washington, D.C.).
Experience the power of unity with the sounds of four local choirs while you are submersed in stories of history's past, narrated by Kevin Harris. Some of the many African-American life stories you'll be enlightened on will include Mary Harris, a plantation worker, and Elizabeth Keckley, who was Mary Todd Lincoln's seamstress.
Admission is free. Doors open at 5 p.m. Seating is limited. Call 202-426-6924 for more info.
While we're on the topic of social issues, take a trip to Glen Echo, Md., to the Clara Barton National Historic Site
(5801 Oxford Road, Glen Echo, Md.) From now until Feb. 29, hourly tours will be given along with an exhibit called "Equal Justice for All." The exhibit will feature objects that outline Clara's role in the civil rights movement and the suffrage of women. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 301-320-1410 for more info.
Published at 2:48 PM EST on Feb 7, 2013 | Updated at 1:21 PM EST on Feb 9, 2012