Named for its founder, the late and beloved Dr. Eddie Jones, the Black Music Symposium is the University of Arkansas' Annual tribute to the music contributions of Black Americans. This year, we are hosting Jacqueline Hairston (niece and historian of composer Jester Hairston), Dr. Leo Davis (minister of Worship and Arts at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis, TN, and nationally recognized expert on Black Music in the church), and composer Stacey V. Gibbs (who has quickly become one of the most widely recognized spiritual composers of this generation). This year's theme focuses on the performance practice of the African American Spiritual and Art Songs by African American Composers. Ms. Hairston (with sopranos Manna KnJoi and Dr. Kimberley Davis) will present a recital featuring her music, plus art songs of Black composers.