Welcome to the 1998 Convention
by
Dr. Uzee Brown, Jr., President
National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc.

Welcome to the 79th convention of the National Association of Negro Musicians!  We are delighted to convene in Las Vegas, the beautiful and exciting city of lights and, indeed, one that never sleps.  Many thanks are due the Jester Hairston Branch f Las Vegas which serves as host for the 1998 convention.  Under the vigilant leadership of NANM'S Western Region Director, Mrs. Thelma Hicks, the Western Region has distinguished itself as one rich with talent and enthusiasm, consistently committed to providing the necessary planning and preparation for first class musical presentations and great fun for all!  Many enriching events are planned for the convention which include exciting cncerts and informative lectures, workshops and symposia of all kinds.  These events promise to be rewarding experiences for our members, our guests, and for NANM as a whole.

In its past seventy-nine year history, NANM has stood as a great and time-tested icon of African American musical diversity, yet, the challenges of the future are great.   We have "miles to go before we sleep"..."so much to do and so little time".  As your president, my ambitions have not been lofty and elaborate.   I believe it is important to look at what we already have and make it better.   I have accepted the challenges of increasing and securing the organization's membership, refining its fiscal operations and enhancing its support and programming for young people.  In these endeavors, I have neither given up nor given out; "I ain't gort weary yet".  I ask each of you to catch the spirit of NANM .   Recall its accomplishments and original purposes and work together to define the further purposes of NANM in this last decade of the twentieth century.  Let us all remain steadfast, renew our commitment, join hands with our brothers and sisters and HOLD ON!

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend best wishes to Dr. Willis Patterson, our immediate past president, on his retirement from the University of Michigan School of Music as Associate Dean and Professor.  His tremendous contributions there, as within NANM, will continue to yield immense returns to musicians and music lovers across the country.  We wish for all of you a wonderful and enjoyable seventy-ninth convention.

Sincerely,