Mahalia Jackson, Moving On Up a Little Higher: A Social Justice Conversation

If Americans remember Mahalia Jackson at all, they know her as the greatest gospel singer to ever live—but she was also much more. In their new revisionist biography, New York Times bestselling author Timothy B. Tyson and acclaimed gospel singer Mary D. Williams pluck Jackson from obscurity and rightfully place her back in the spotlight, restoring her status as a major civil rights figure. She was not only the soundtrack to the Civil Rights Movement, but a political advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. , a local activist, and prolific fundraiser. Join us for a musical performance and a groundbreaking dialogue, with noted social justice advocate and journalist Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr and authors Tim Tyson and Mary D. William in discussing the socio-political life and humanitarian worldview of Mahalia Jackson in American life. Several Durham area pastors and activists were close personal friends and acquaintances of Dr. King and Mahalia Jackson. This event is

Last updated November 6, 2026