Music from the Heart

Seattle University Professor of Violin Dr. Quinton Morris and students from his music education nonprofit, Key to Change, will celebrate the lasting impact of the late SU Professor Henry W. "Hank" McGee, Jr. with a lecture and performances on February 19. The event, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. in the Stuart T. Rolfe Community Room in the Admissions & Alumni Building, is free and open to the public.

McGee, a prominent law professor and activist, was a dedicated advocate for the African and African American Studies Program (AAAS) at the College of Arts and Sciences and an ardent supporter of Key to Change. At the event, students from Key to Change will perform individual solo pieces directed by Dr. Morris.

Henry "Hank" McGee, Jr. and Dr. Quinton Morris

“Embracing the essence of Sankofa, AAAS is paying tribute to Professor McGee's enduring legacy,” says Angelique M. Davis, JD, director of the African and African American Studies program, “while also celebrating the remarkable achievements of Dr. Morris.”

Born in 1932 in Chicago, Professor McGee was one of UCLA’s first Black faculty members, directing the Center for Afro-American studies before arriving at SU’s Law School as its first tenured faculty member of color. He was also an accomplished violinist. 

“Celebrating Professor McGee’s legacy is a great honor and I am supremely grateful for the opportunity to do this,” says Dr. Morris. “He was a friend and close colleague and he had an enormous positive impact on his community. I’m really excited about this.”

Established in 2008, the inaugural McGee Lecture also featured Dr. Morris. To honor Professor McGee’s legacy at the first lecture since his passing in 2024, this event will once again feature Dr. Morris and will include performances by talented students from Key to Change.   

The series is sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences’ African and African American Studies Program and co-sponsored by the School of Law. It showcases a diverse array of perspectives on African, African American, Afro-Caribbean, Latin American and other experiences within the African diaspora through contributions from esteemed scholars affiliated with SU and beyond.  

RSVP for the lecture today.

Photos courtesy of Key to Change