December 2009 Larry Coryell goes back to Prosser High School

ICAP members Larry Coryell and Marcus Dunleavy spent a day with students at Chicago’s Prosser Career Academy at the invitation of Academy principal, Ken Hunter.

On the day of the event, Mr. Hunter, having learned that a Chicago inner-city student was beaten to death that same day, addressed the entire school with his determination that he would never let that happen to his students.

Larry Coryell performed solo guitar and then took time to speak with the students about their lives. Mr. Coryell, who recently returned to the States after a concert tour in Poland, had a lively discussion in Polish with a student of Polish heritage.

A student of African heritage asked Mr. Coryell how she could encourage many suffering students in Africa. Mr. Coryell urged her to become strong, to study hard, and to continue to speak out for justice.

One of the day’s highlights included Principal Hunter performing one of his own compositions. Mr. Hunter sang while accompanying himself on piano. Mr. Coryell immediately joined in on guitar, creating a musical dialogue of harmony and hope for the future.

Photos by Isaac Jones