An Evening with Professor Benjamin Barson

Join Books & Books for an evening with Professor Benjamin Barson on Friday, January 17, 2025, as he discusses Brassroots Democracy: Maroon Ecologies and the Jazz Commons. In this work, Barson explores the intersection of early jazz and the social movements of Reconstruction-era New Orleans, tracing the influence of Black musicians and activists who shaped grassroots democracy through their music. Brassroots Democracy delves into the cultural and political connections between Haiti and New Orleans, offering new insights into the role of jazz in Black Atlantic struggles. Admission is free, and books will be available for purchase.

Benjamin Barson is a historian, baritone saxophonist and political activist. He serves as an assistant professor of music at Bucknell University and has contributed to works such as Black Power Afterlives: The Enduring Significance of the Black Panther Party and the Routledge Handbook on Jazz and Gender. His research and performances focus on the intersection of music, politics and social movements, particularly in the context of jazz and Black liberation struggles.