Students from Confluence Academy-Old North attended an awesome field trip on Friday, October 14, at the National Blues Museum, located in downtown St. Louis. It’s the only museum dedicated exclusively to preserving and honoring the national and international story of the blues and its impact on American culture in the United States.
Students participated in the “Take Me to the River” Initiative. “Take Me to the River” is a documentary film that celebrates the inter-generational and inter-racial musical influence of Memphis in the face of pervasive discrimination and segregation. The film brings multiple generations of award-winning Memphis and Mississippi Delta musicians together, following them through the creative process of recording a historic new album to re-imagine the utopia of racial, gender and generational collaboration of Memphis in its heyday.
"Take Me to The River” features Terrence Howard, William Bell, Snoop Dog, Mavis Staples, Otis Clay, Lil P-Nut, Charlie Musselwhite, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Yo Gotti, Bobby Rush, Frayser Boy, The North Mississippi All-Stars and many more.
Students also participated in a Q&A panel discussion consisting of William Bell, Stax Soul legend; Boo Mitchell, Grammy winner; Al Kapone, rapper and Critics Choice Award winner; and Frayser Boy, rapper and Academy Award winner. Students were escorted on the field trip by Dr. Sonya Murray, principal; Renaldo Jackson, technology; James Young, music; and Dr. Kristen McFarland, social studies.
~Submitted by Renaldo Jackson, technology