Memphis

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O'Conner, a music educator with more than 26 years of teaching experience, knows that education is the only way out of ones challenging circumstances. As the director of Watoto De Afrika (Swahili for children of Africa), O'Conner shares his love of music with youth ages three to 27 in hopes that they nurture and develop their individual musical expressions. By sharing the rich heritage of African-American musicians and their musical contributions, he hopes that all of the young people who participate in the program experience a flourishing of self-esteem and self-worth, and that they develop a greater appreciation for their cultural heritage.