Hassaun Jones-Bey

Hassaun was initially attracted to Starr King through his involvement with the Children’s Music Network, an association of musicians, educators, parents and others, which was co-founded by the late folk musician and social activist Pete Seeger. While attending Starr King, Hassaun focused on African Diaspora religion and Howard Thurman’s interpretations of the Negro Spirituals, with a particular interest in how the creators and singers of the Spirituals managed to assert their humanity through sacred and secular institutions in which their humanity was denied. Hassaun’s Hilda Mason fellowship enabled him to share this interest, which he continues to pursue, with his fellow students, both within Starr King and from the broader GTU.