Jonathan Blanchard to Highlight Arkansas State University Mid-South Black History Event

Jonathan Blanchard, will deliver the keynote address through song at the Arkansas State University Mid-South 12th Annual Black History Program on February 24th at 11:00 a.m. in the rotunda of the Donald W. Reynolds Center.

Mr. Blanchard is a Soul Singer, songwriter, actor and preserver of the Negro Spiritual. He has successfully released his first studio album entitled “Freedom’s Soul…..the REVOLUTION”. Freedom’s Soul was recorded with live musicians in Memphis, Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia.

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Mr. Blanchard earned a Bachelor of Science in Commercial Music and a Master of Science in Music Education from Tennessee State University.

Blanchard’s talent came to maturity while immersed in Memphis’ often inspirational, yet always divergent styles of music and art. Possessing a voice comparable in depth and richness to the great Isaac Hayes, Paul Robeson, and Barry White, Blanchard creates music that allows his deep, soulfully rich voice to blend naturally with the times. He movingly conveys poignant words and melodies to evoke feelings of love, respect, hard times, and revolt. He deftly riffs through Jazz licks, while masterfully imitating the sounds from a Jazz Band’s instrumental section.

“We are honored to have someone of Mr. Blanchard’s prominence for our Black History Month celebration,” said Nancy Hogan, Director of ASU Mid-South’s TRiO SSS program. “To have someone with his level of talent and success is certainly motivating to our students. We expect this to be a very inspirational event.”

This is the 12th celebration of Black History Month at ASU Mid-South. Celebrated internationally, Black History Month was the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.

“It is important that our students, as well as our community, understand the significance of this celebration. I am proud that ASU Mid-South has been committed to this celebration and I believe this will be our best effort yet,” offered Dr. Derek Moore, Associate Vice Chancellor, Student Success at Mid-South. “I do hope the community will join us for this event and take advantage of this opportunity to see such a noted performer.”

The public is invited to join the students, staff, faculty, and administration for this event. Light refreshments will be served immediately following the program.