The West Medford Community Center begins its 2023 season of Words and Music with a Black History Month themed program. The Words portion will feature a conversation with Jillian Harvey, the newly elected president of the Mystic Valley Branch NAACP, whose district includes Medford. Hear Harvey’s views on mission, membership, and moving the local dials forward on progress toward greater understanding, quality and social justice in the communities she serves. Harvey also is the director of diversity, equity and inclusion for the Town of Arlington. In the Music segment, accomplished vocalist Katani Sumner will display her repertoire of gospel, jazz and blues standards, accompanied on the keys by Mark Copleand II.

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.