CSUN alumnus Vernon Jackson (left), dubbed the “guru” of stepping, a form of dance performed commonly by African-American sororities and fraternities, teaches students the dance form at the last year’s African American Music Festival.

Legendary jazz musician Washington Rucker and liturgical dancer Linda James will be among the musicians and entertainment professionals to participate in the 14th Annual African-American Music Festival at California State University, Northridge this month.

The festival, which is free and open to the public, is scheduled to take place from noon to 5 p.m. on March 16 in Cypress Hall at CSUN. It will feature music education workshops and performances from a variety of genres including blues, jazz, R&B and gospel. There also will be spoken word from several artists including Amber Love and Itiola Jones. CSUN alumnus Vernon Jackson ’12 (Communications Studies) who was dubbed the “guru” of stepping, a form of dance performed commonly by African-American sororities and fraternities, will provide a history of the dance form and a performance.

“This event is important because it helps to keep our (African-American) music heritage alive and inform students, faculty and the community of the importance of the music and other art forms,” said Arthur Broadous, community event coordinator. “The history of our culture motivates our people.”

Event organizers are also encouraging elementary, middle and high school students to attend.

“This event brings the community to the campus and helps to really educate children about the creative arts,” said Na’Qia Hawkins, a member of the African American Music Association (A2MA), the student organization sponsoring the event. Other sponsors include CSUN’s Department of Pan African Studies, Associated Students and California Black Family Institute.

Some of the other musical groups performing include the Greg Broadous jazz group; Don Wyatt and Angela Coleman, gospel jazz duo; and Cilé Borman of Tropical Punch, a Caribbean music group.

For more information, call (818) 834-2555 or email csun.a2ma@gmail.com.

Black History Month, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Events