A Legacy in Choral Direction: Dr. Jocqueline K. Richardson

Black History Maker of Alabama – Dr. Jocqueline Killings Richardson

Alabama has long been home to individuals whose contributions have shaped the cultural, educational, and artistic landscape of the state and beyond.

Among these trailblazers is Jocqueline Killings Richardson, a renowned choral director whose influence spans over 35 years.

A native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Richardson has left an indelible mark on the field of music education, earning her place among the most notable Black history makers in the region.

Richardson’s journey in choral music began early, with her formative years spent in Tuscaloosa, where she graduated from Druid High School in 1966. Her passion for music led her to become the choral director at Central High School, a position she held from 1977 until her retirement in 2012. During her tenure, she not only guided countless students in their musical development but also played a crucial role in shaping the music curriculum within Alabama’s education system.

As a dedicated advocate for arts education, Richardson contributed to the Tuscaloosa City Schools Policy Review Committee and the Alabama Black Belt Arts Education Initiative Advisory Committee. She also shared her expertise as a facilitator at the Mega-Conference for Arts Education, helping to influence the next generation of music educators.

Richardson’s talents have reached far beyond the classroom. She has served as the choral director for several prestigious organizations, including the Southeast Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and has conducted performances at the Inaugural Ceremonies for city officials. Her work has taken her to international platforms, such as directing the Chor Dream Choir of Japan at the Sakura Festival.

Her performances have graced some of the most renowned audiences, including Hollywood icons Robert Townsend, Cicely Tyson, and Angela Bassett. She has also performed for Hall of Fame football player John Stallworth and gospel legend Albertina Walker. One of her crowning achievements was performing at New York City’s prestigious Carnegie Hall, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to choral music.

 "Black History, to me, is a time to remember our history and celebrate our achievements. It is an opportunity to encourage each other and share our stories. To convey who we are to our children, we must continue to pass our history on to the next generation and to the world. From the struggles in America, art forms such as the negro spiritual, blues, jazz, and gospel emerged, and even modern pop music has been influenced by these genres. Our inventions have contributed to society, making life better and more comfortable for everyone. It is time to celebrate how far we’ve come, alongside all races, and recognize how far God brought us all."- Dr. Richardson

Currently, Richardson serves as the Director of Choral Activities at Stillman College, where she conducts the tour and concert choirs. Under her leadership, the Stillman College Choir has performed at various state and national events, including collaborations with the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra and the Alabama League of Municipalities.

In addition to her work in higher education, Richardson is deeply involved in community service. She is the minister of music for Bethel Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa and has led seminars for church choirs across the state. Her commitment to mentoring and guiding young musicians extends to her longtime service as the choir director for the State Convention Crusader Division, the Northwest Red Circle Division, and the New Antioch Bethlehem District.

Richardson’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards, including the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Humanitarian Award, the YMCA Hall of Fame in Education, and the Tuscaloosa Urban Award for Teacher of the Year. Her excellence in choral competitions has been recognized with Superior Ratings at both district and state levels.

In 2023, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Stillman College and received a proclamation from Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, acknowledging her outstanding leadership. She was also named Grand Marshall of the Tuscaloosa NAACP Juneteenth celebration parade. Most notably, she received the Joseph R. Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her decades of dedicated public service.

Jocqueline Killings Richardson’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to music, education, and community service. Her work has shaped the lives of countless students, musicians, and educators, ensuring that the power of music continues to uplift and inspire future generations. As a true Black history maker of Alabama, her influence will be felt for years to come.

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