African American Musicians with Lem Sheppard

Let’s welcome Lem Sheppard, a Humanities Kansas guest speaker. This presentation explores the dynamic musical history of African Americans in Kansas 1860-1920, and the social and cultural impacts in Kansas. Sheppard will be also performing musical samples.

African American musicians are often part of an under-told story in Kansas history. Not defined as traditionally Black music, these musicians played in mandolin quartets, cornet bands, orchestras, and string bands. They performed as itinerant musicians and jubilee singers at civic events, weddings, fairs, barn dances, and private homes. They were an important feature of the musical landscape of Kansas, and their history mirrors the history of Kansas itself.