Joe Zavaan Johnson (He/Him/Them) is a multi-instrumentalist, arts educator, and Black music researcher. His research looks at Black banjo recovery projects at the intersection of Black studies, human geography, folklore, and ethnomusicology. He frequently collaborates with grassroots organizations working towards coalition building, community healing, and cultural reparations. As an educator, he has taught workshops and presented lectures on Black banjo culture across the country. Johnson has earned a dual BM in Instrumental Music Performance and Ethnomusicology from Bowling Green State University, and is currently an Ethnomusicology PhD Candidate at Indiana University-Bloomington. He is currently an inaugural Black Banjo Fellowship recipient with the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music.

Read more about Joe’s dissertation research project funded by the Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Innovation Fellowship here.