Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) in his remarks to Congress on February 28, honored the contributions of Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun, sons of the second Ambassador of Turkey to the United States, in breaking down racial barriers and raising the profile of African American music and jazz around the world. Congressman Conyers recognized the Turkish Embassy and Ambassador Namik Tan for acknowledging Black History Month by announcing a series of six concerts titled "Ertegun Jazz Series" at the Turkish Embassy Residence to highlight the unique role the Embassy played in the promotion of jazz music and racial integration in Washington, DC. The first concert in the series, curated by Jazz at Lincoln Center, took place on March 2, 2011, and featured the Orrin Evans Jazz Trio.
For the full text by Congressman Conyers remarks, click here
