Tonight’s Black History Month edition of the West Medford Community Center’s Words and Music program will explore “Medford’s Brown Beginnings.” In the first hour, host Terry E. Carter will chat with Kyera Singleton, executive director of the Royall House and Slave Quarters, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The complex is living, breathing evidence of a legacy of slavery in Medford. Singleton will talk about slavery, museum curation, and the unique presence of the only surviving authentic slave quarters in the Northeast.

In the second hour, Athene Wilson — a versatile and highly sought Boston vocalist with a story to tell — will perform a sampling of her amazing repertoire of gospel, jazz, blues and R&B standards. She will be accompanied by the uber-talented and well respected Rollins Ross on keys — a familiar pairing for regular Words and Music followers. The program also will be carried live by Medford Community Media on the city’s cable access stations and live-streamed on the WMCC Facebook page.

The West Medford Community Center launched Words and Music in 2017. Usually presented on the first Friday of every month, the event starts off with a discussion on a valuable aspect of the community, followed by a performance by a local musician or musicians. For more information on this or other WMCC programs, visit the center’s website or call 781-483-3042.