“Maestro J” to headline MLK commemoration events
Hanover College will commemorate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 19-23 with an offering of conversations and volunteer opportunities. The week-long series – “Jazz, Joy and Justice” – will be highlighted by a Jan. 22 presentation by noted musician and educator James Racine.
Performing as “Maestro J,” Racine is a jazz violinist known for seamlessly blending rhythm and blues, jazz, hip hop and classical into a rich, genre-defying experience. His performances, marked by energy, innovation and emotional depth, have captivated audiences across the U.S. and the Caribbean.
In addition to his musical career, Racine serves as director of community at Kentucky Country Day School, where he leads the school’s community initiatives. His role includes developing programs, policies and practices that support inclusivity and advance institutional goals.
Racine will share perspectives on diversity and inclusion during an inspirational address that combines a celebration of artistic expression with meaningful dialogue about community and belonging. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. in Fitzgibbon Recital Hall, Lynn Center for Fine Arts. Admission is free.
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Racine was raised in a family of professional classical musicians and educators. Introduced to the violin at age 4, he quickly demonstrated exceptional musical talent. By age 16, he was serving as the assistant concertmaster of the Haiti Philharmonic Orchestra and the first violinist of the Holy Trinity String Quartet.
Racine later attended the University of Kentucky, where he discovered a passion for teaching through his volunteer work with The String Project, a program providing music education to local youth. This experience sparked a 20-year career in education as an orchestra director, inspiring and mentoring countless students.
He is the founder and executive director of Blazin’ Strings Academy, a nonprofit afterschool program in Louisville, Ky. The academy provides local youth with access to high-quality string instrument instruction, academic support and social-emotional learning in a safe and supportive environment.
Racine has earned national recognition for his leadership. He was named a BMe Community Fellow, joining a network of Black leaders making meaningful contributions to their communities. He has received the Trustees of Inclusive Equity Award from the Louisville Central Community Centers and is a recipient of the Jewish Family & Career Services MOSAIC Award, honoring international Americans for their impact in professional fields and civic life.
Hanover’s MLK commemoration focuses on incorporating joy as an integral part of social justice through music. The theme draws inspiration from King’s short essay, “On the Importance of Jazz.” The text, which appeared in the program for the Berlin Jazz Festival in 1964, praised jazz music for its ability to transform the hardest realities of life into music and a renewed sense of hope and triumph. King believed that jazz was a source of strength for the Freedom Movement, with its rhythms providing courage and its harmonies bringing calm during moments of despair.
In addition to Racine’s presentation, “Jazz, Joy and Justice” will also include a variety of volunteer opportunities on campus and in the local community. Area residents are encouraged to participate in all activities.
“Jazz, Joy and Justice” Schedule of Opportunities
Monday, Jan. 19
8:30-11 a.m.
“Stand Up Against Hunger!”
Jefferson County (Ind.) House of Hope
100 East Second Street, Suite H, Madison, IN 47250
All Day
“Help Save the Planet!”
Hanover College Free Store
Lynn Hall, Hanover College Campus
January-April
Be Kind Organization Backpack Kick-off Drive in partnership with the Salvation Army
Haq Center for Cross-Cultural Education
J. Graham Brown Campus Center, Hanover College Campus
Tuesday, Jan. 20
6-7 p.m.
“Global Vision Kahoot! Trivia Night”
Haq Center for Cross-Cultural Education
J. Graham Brown Campus Center, Hanover College Campus
Wednesday, Jan. 21
All Day
“15-Minute Service Projects”
Haq Center for Cross-Cultural Education
J. Graham Brown Campus Center, Hanover College Campus
Thursday, Jan. 22
10-11:30 a.m.
“Expressive Arts Open Studio” with Sara Crafton
Haq Center for Cross-Cultural Education
J. Graham Brown Campus Center, Hanover College Campus
7 p.m.
Community Conversation and Performance with James “Maestro J” Racine, jazz violinist and educator
Fitzgibbon Recital Hall, Lynn Center for Fine Arts.
Friday, Jan. 23
Noon-1 p.m.
“Nap Ministry and Lunch” with Rev. Catherine Knott, Ph.D.
Haq Center for Cross-Cultural Education
J. Graham Brown Campus Center, Hanover College Campus
