US university announces $500,000 gift to fund Ken Okoth Black American Music Project

St Lawrence University in New York has named a music project in honour of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) politician Ken Okoth, just two years following the former MP's demise.

An anonymous donor made a gift of Sh57million ($500,000) to create the Ken Okoth ’01 Black American Music Project.

The gift was made in support of the St Lawrence University Black Laurentian Initiative to promote a greater understanding and celebration of Black Americans.

President Kathryn Morris announced the news on Wednesday, March 23 at a reception in Nairobi, where she was visiting St Lawrence University’s Kenya Semester Program.

A reception held in Kenya honors the life and legacy of Ken Okoth '01. Pulse Live Kenya

“This gift is a wonderful way to support the goals of the Black Laurentian Initiative, celebrate the important role of Black music in our cultural heritage and history, and honor the memory and impact of a beloved member of our community,” stated President Morris.

She added that the former Kibra MP had a tremendous and long-lasting impact on the university.

"He came to Canton directly from his home in Nairobi, Kenya, engaged in music as a member of the Singing Saints and Laurentian Singers, and later served on the St Lawrence University Board of Trustees as a McCurdy-Sprague Trustee," Morris shared.

Jeff Okoth (Ken Okoth's brother), St. Lawrence University President Kathryn A. Morris, Monica Okoth (Ken Okoth's wife) Pulse Live Kenya

Okoth’s wife Monica and brother Jeff who were both present for the announcement reiterated how the late Okoth was a visionary leader not only in his constituency but also in the country at large.

The project set to start in September 2022 will highlight Black music history, both in the styles of music, such as the blues and jazz, and the individuals who wrote and performed, through visual displays, lectures and talks, seminars, and live performances.