MLK Day 2025: Eaglebrook Students Learn the History of Black Americans through the Power of Song and the Spoken Word

On January 20, Eaglebrook’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Day celebrations included a full-day of classroom discussions devoted to exploring Dr. King’s legacy, the critical impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the shaping of modern American society, and the essential importance of staying committed to the ideals of equal rights under the law and equal access to opportunity.

These activities were supported by multiple musical performances throughout the day by Blues Alive, a blues education initiative affiliated with the North Jersey Blues Society and led by Blues guitarist Charlie Apicella. Blues Alive’s mission is to bring Black history, American history, and blues music together to empower and enlighten young students.

Blues Alive also brings elder musicians, styled in the west African griot storytelling tradition, to speak to the power of the spoken word in African history and cultural traditions.

Through live, interactive songs that engaged Eaglebrook students to accompany the performers with singing and clapping, Blues Alive activated the audience as musical collaborators.