Scholar Inspired by Oberlin’s History of African-American Musicians
DaQuan Williams, a sophomore at Oberlin College and Conservatory, found his musical calling at an early age as a member of the Mount Calvary Baptist Church choir in Chicago.
After attending Choir Academy of Chicago and Chicago High School for the Arts, Oberlin College and Conservatory was a natural next step in DaQuan’s path. He is a talented singer and has studied violin and piano, but his passion is choral conducting. He also has a growing interest in raising the visibility and accessibility of African-American spirituals.
A double major in anthropology and musical studies, DaQuan was ecstatic to discover that Oberlin had been the training ground for many esteemed African-American musicians including Moses Hogan, a pianist, composer and prolific arranger of spirituals.
“My Posse has supported me wholeheartedly.”
To commemorate the late musician and to highlight his contributions during Black History Month, DaQuan organized the first annual Moses Hogan Sing-Along on campus. His goal is to create an accessible and inclusive space for all community members to experience the music genre.
“My Posse has supported me wholeheartedly,” he says. “Many come to my performances and help me by lending their talents— from making posters to taking pictures.”
When introducing audiences to African-American spirituals, DaQuan says it is always important to provide context.
“No spiritual is happy,” he points out. “They may sound upbeat or triumphant but all spirituals were a pretense for slaves to express their struggles and communicate messages. They engaged in music to survive.”
DaQuan’s enthusiasm is clear when speaking about the leadership activities he’s involved with at Oberlin. He is co-chair of the Black Student Union, a resident assistant in the African Heritage House, and a student employee in the admissions office. DaQuan is also a teacher assistant for a choir at the nearby Grafton Correctional Facility, where he spends Friday afternoons.
After observing choirs at several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), DaQuan now hopes to study at Morehouse College during his senior year. His interest has planted seeds for a potential partnership between Oberlin and HBCUs for study-away experiences. His dream is for Oberlin to host an annual African-American spiritual conference.
DaQuan will work at the prestigious Interlochen Summer Arts Camp teaching music theory this summer. In 2020, he will be the first in his family to graduate from college. He plans to pursue a graduate degree in music education and conducting.
