By Udo Salters
On June 8th, 2024, Mike Monford presented Afrofuturism through discussion and sound at The National Jazz Museum on 129th Street in Harlem.
The Panel Discussion on Afrofuturism was moderated by Author, Journalist, and Historian Herb Boyd. Other panelists were Trumpeter, Composer, and Author Ahmed Abdullah, Guitarist and Composer Lu Fuki Ismaeel Dhul-Qarnayn, Griot, Community Activist and Historian Baba Mosi Humphrey. The discussion which linked past generations to current and future generations, touched on all aspects of life from better eating to the Black is Beautiful movement birthed during the ’60s through the African Jazz-Art Society & Studios (AJASS). A major theme of the discussion was institution building. Institutions like The East (a community education and arts organization in Brooklyn, New York focused on black nationalism), Detroit People’s Food Co-op in Detroit, Patrice Lumumba Coalition with Cinque Brath, Bronx Music Heritage, Sister’s Place, Avalon Village in Highland Park and Dream of Detroit were discussed. These institutions and others like it, play a critical in moving the people forward.
While the discussion could have gone on for hours, especially with the audience’s participation, it came to an end so that the music could start.
A riveting performance by Mike Monford & Innovated Strings had everyone on the edge of their seats. Mike Monford on Alto Sax, Josh Evans on Trumpet, Cutis Lundy on Bass, Sharp Radway on Piano, Jerome Gillespie II on drums Laina Martin on Violin, Brandan Callies on Cello, and Indira Edwards on Viola, and spoken word by Taraji Monford.
Songs were performed from Mike Monford’s catalog as well as songs by Charlie Parker, Lee Morgan, and Jackie McLean.
Bringing the beautiful event to a close, Mike pulled in Ahmed Abdullah and LuFuki to sit in and play to end the set.
Keep an eye out and an ear open, as Mike mentioned he is planning to have another event at The National Jazz Museum in Harlem in September 2024.
Udo Salters
Udo Salters was born and raised in New York City. His love for photography began as a youth when he started taking photos of friends and family at various events. In a natural transition, his passion turned from shooting images of fashion models and fashion shows to jetting around Harlem to Hollywood creating images of celebrities and socialites at some of the most exclusive hot spots. He has worked for many outlets locally with Harlem World Magazine, Fortune 500 companies, and many other various media outlets. He currently resides in NYC. Get more information at Udo Salters Photography.
Photo credit: by Udo Salters.
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