Black History Month Profiles: Dr. James Patterson

This year, for Black History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s profile is Dr. James Patterson of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM).

A woodwind player, jazz musician and educator, James Patterson of Local 148-462 in Atlanta is also a leading figure in the history and promotion of jazz in the U.S. Patterson played a key role in helping the late Rep. John Conyers Jr. craft and promote the National Jazz Preservation, Education and Promulgation Act of 2014, which established a National Jazz Preservation Program. The program collaborates with the Smithsonian to preserve knowledge of and promote education about jazz.