Saturday, June 4, 2016, The Joan Hillsman Music Network, Inc. (JHMN), a 501(c)(3), non- profit organization held its Scholarship Benefit Breakfast Fundraiser at the Crown Plaza Hotel.
The Event provided an opportunity to get to know the organization, its mission, and appeal for support of youth, adults and the community through, not only financial assistance, but other resources and information for life-long learning.
Dr. Hillsman is the CEO of JHMN, providing music lessons in the Syracuse area. Summer Enrichment Enrollment is now in progress! Register Now! Space is limited! Email: jhillsman@twcny.rr.com or call 315-299-4928.
Mayor Stephanie A. Miner reiterated Dr. Hillsman’s contributions to the city since being here, thereby proclaiming June 4, 2016 as JHMN Day in Syracuse.
She is the proud mother of Coach Quentin Hillsman, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Syracuse University.
Joan Hillsman Day Proclamation
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Dr. Joan Hillsman, Author, Historian, and Music Educator, relocated to Syracuse in 2010. She continued her journey through music which started at an early age in Anderson, South Carolina, continuing her education in 1960 at Howard University, and broadened her experiences as an arts (Music) educator. She retired as Supervising Director of the entire Washington, D. C. School system. She was then appointed Professor of Music and Gospel Choir Director at Bowie State University, Bowie Maryland.
Her latest book is titled, “Gospel Music: An African American Art Form, Friesen Press. She is listed in several Who’s Who Directories. Her honors and accolades are too numerous to mention here, but just do a Google search, says some of her friends. She has received at least 10 Awards since being here. In a local newspaper, it was stated that she “hit the ground running”. Those who really know her are not surprised. “Her passion is helping others, volunteering, and trying to make a difference where needed and accepted”, stated in an article.
Since being in Syracuse, in the short time, she has been a mentor for youth and adults, collaborated, presented and partnered with agencies and departments at Syracuse University (Say Yes Program, Community Folk Art Center, served on Mayor Stephanie Miner’s Arts Transitional Team, organized the Syracuse Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Served on The Mayors Women’s Commission of Syracuse, The Syracuse Martin Luther King Annual Celebration, Serving Community Churches, received numerous honors and recognitions, and is recognized internationally, serving on Boards…and the list goes on.)
Mayor Stephanie A. Miner
