Dillard University kicked off Black History Month with a bang by announcing that its 2021-2022 artist in residence will be none other than PJ Morton.
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The multi-grammy award-winning New Orleans native will “conduct master classes in songwriting, music publishing, studio production and talent management,” according to the University’s press release. Students will get a professional work experience with PJ and his team through internships in the fields of merchandising, studio production, management, and videography.
Students will also get a chance to compete against each other in a talent show during the Spring 2021 semester, and the winner will have a single produced by PJ‘s New Orleans-based label, Morton Records. PJ took to Instagram to share the “big news” with his followers.
Source: Instagram @pjmorton
“Big news!! So excited to be partnering with @dillarduniversity as the ‘Artist in Residence’..” PJ captioned a flyer featuring him standing in front of Dillard’s historic Samuel DuBois Cook Performing Arts Center, where his residency program will be housed. He continued:
“As an HBCU grad (shout out to Morehouse) and a New Orleans boy I couldn’t be happier to be doing this! We’ll do a spring talent show, A fall masterclass, an internship program and the operations of my company Morton Records will live on campus. More details to come! 💪🏾❤️ #BlackHistoryMonth.”
Cortheal Clark, chair for the School of Humanities, explains that “This residency brings the best and one of the most influential artists in the music industry to Dillard University. The conceptual and musical sophistication of PJ Morton’s work, as well as his commitment to social responsibility, will have a profound impact on our students.”
Under the leadership of President Dr. Walter Kimbrough, also known as the “Hip Hop Prez,” Dillard University has done a dope job of incorporating hip-hop into the university’s curriculum and extra-curricular activities. Students have received gems from rappers like MC Lyte, Uncle Luke, Chance The Rapper, and Lecrae. Actresses Gabrielle Union and Issa Rae, and sex trafficking survivor, Cyntoia Brown Long, have also dropped knowledge on the students.
Source: Instagram @dillarduniversity
Dillard University is “a historically Black institution that cultivates leaders who live ethically, think and communicate precisely, and act courageously to make the world a better place.” That quote comes from the University’s mission statement; And as an Aluma of DU, I can attest to all of that. Though it’s been years since I’ve crossed those spacious greens, I’ve been following the progression of my Alma Mater, and DU has been doing the damn thing! ♥