Harry S Truman College proudly presented the inaugural Light of Day Social and Music Symposium on July 9, 2025

Harry S Truman College in partnership with some of Chicago’s biggest music artists presented, for the first time, a Light of Day Social and Music Symposium with a focus on house music. This event, in part, was designed to showcase the equipment and curriculum available to the public at the college. Educational pathways offered at Truman include classes music production, podcasting, and DJing.

“We believe in the power of music to engage young people and spark passion so we’re inviting everyone into the creative process here at Truman College,” said Dr. Shawn Jackson, president of Harry S Truman College. “Our Sound Asylum isn’t just a continuing education program, it’s a catalyst for growth, community, and opportunity.”

“House music was created here in Chicago and 40 years later, ‘our music’ has become the musical pulse of diverse cultures and countries all around the world,” said Gershon Jackson,  music producer, DJ and Principal of Harry S Truman’s College’s Alternative High School program. “As a transformative leader in education, it is my mission to support student success and community engagement. I’ve chosen to do this through my passion, music. We know that there is a tremendous value in connecting people through music so I created Sound Asylum at Truman College to keep young people engaged and interested so that they invest in themselves creating a positive future, one with choices and one they deserve,” said Jackson.

The Light of Day Social and Music Symposium was an electric celebration of Chicago’s unparalleled legacy in House Music and its historical impact on the world’s ever-changing entertainment industry. Consisting of two panels, the music symposium  featured some of the world’s best in music and entertainment. Label executive’s, record producer’s, recording artists, international & radio DJ’s, promoters, CEOs of digital print and magazine publications, on-air personalities and podcasters came to share their knowledge and expertise with aspiring artists, singers, DJs, and entrepreneurs.

The symposium was held  from 1pm to 3pm followed by a music party from 3pm to 8pm in the McKeon Building at Harry S Truman College, 1145 West Wilson Avenue in Chicago.

The program included the following artists and music industry leaders:

• Maurice Joshua
• Meghan McNeal
• Wayne Williams
• DJ AMPM
• Mike Dunn
• CZBoogie
• First Lady
• Bryon Stingly

Symposium Panelists included:

• Maurice Joshua – Grammy-award winning producer (Beyonce); Music production instructor at Truman’s Sound Asylum program
• Meagan McNeal – R&B Soul/Dance & Electronica singer
• Wayne Williams – DJ and Record label executive
• DJ AM PM – DJ Power 92 Chicago
• Mike Dunn – DJ/Producer; Learn to DJ instructor at Truman’s Sound Asylum program
• CZ Boogie – DJ, dancer and owner of a House Music publication called 5 Magazine
• First Lady Khris Raye – DJ/TV/Radio personality
• Byron Stingily – R&B/House music singer

For more information  email TRC-Innovationone@ccc.edu. This event was hosted by City Colleges of Chicago, Innovation One, Harry S Truman College and Sound Asylum.

Due of the high demand of the Sound Asylum programs, Harry S Truman now offers Intro/Advanced Music Production & Sound Design, Intro /Advanced Podcasting and Radio Broadcasting as well as Intro/Advanced Art of DJing courses. All are available as part of Truman College’s Continuing Education programs. For more information on CE programs offered at Truman College, click here.

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Harry S Truman College’s mission is to deliver high-quality, innovative, affordable, and accessible educational opportunities and services that prepare students for a rapidly changing and diverse global economy. Harry S Truman College is one of the seven City Colleges of Chicago.

About Innovation One lab at Harry S Truman College: Innovation One is a technology, training, and resource lab designed to meet the diverse needs of learners. It also provides access to Apple training and resources for students and serves as a learning hub for Chicago’s educators in both PK-12 and higher education institutions. Innovation One provides access to technology and resources for community members who may not otherwise have these opportunities.