BLACK HISTORY MONTH Uplifting & Honoring Black Americans in Downtown Troy, NY. Stay tuned this month for history, hilighting organizations & learning about Troy’s amazing individuals for an engaged, thriving Downtown community.
Eddie Ade Knowles was a longtime administrator, professor, and artist educator at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Ade & his group, Ensemble Congeros, opened for our Rockin' on the River concert series on July 12, 2018.
•From his devotion and inclusivity, to his advocacy for bettering the student experience and his incredible passion and enthusiasm for music, Ade’s impact on the RPI & Troy community was immeasurable. Under his leadership, several signature programs were created at RPI, including the Learning Center as part of the Office of Minority Student Affairs; the Bridge and PREFACE summer programs. He continued to teach his popular course, ‘Roots of Africa,’ that focuses on the study and performance of African, Afro-Cuban, and New World percussion music.
•As a musician, Knowles was a founding member of Gil Scott-Heron and the Midnight Band, which is credited with spawning hip-hop. He performed with Earth, Wind & Fire, and appeared with Stevie Wonder. Kanye West sampled his work.
•“The greatest gift we give to others is that our music helps to elevate their spirits, helps to heal their bodies, their minds,” Knowles said.
•Unity was part of Knowles’ life mission. His goal: “To help our community come together and recognize that we can make a difference.”
•Find out more about Ade’s life & legacy here: https://magazine.rpi.edu/feature/rhythms-of-the-heart
©Downtown Troy BID 2021