About Ann Hunt Jones Smith

Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1937 to educators and activists William Earl Hunt and Carol Louise Walker, Ann's life was shaped by a deep love for learning and a passion for justice. As a young girl, she found joy in music, and expression of that joy became her life's work. 

Despite the obstacles of segregation, Ann's talent and determination shone through undeterred. She graduated from J.W. Ligon High School and went on to study Vocal Music Education at Virginia State College. Her journey wasn't easy, but Ann's faith and dedication carried her forward.

Inspired by the legendary contralto Marian Anderson, Ann pursued a career in music education, eventually earning a Master's degree in Music Composition and Arranging from the University of Michigan.

Throughout her life, Ann wore many hats: public school teacher, choral conductor, composer, playwright, author, and Civil Rights activist. In 1967, she founded the Ligon Jubilee Singers, a choral group that traveled across the country during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, using music to promote healing and dialogue. 

Ann believed in the power of storytelling through song and theater. She developed a one-woman show “Black Music in a Historical Perspective '' in which she performed for mixed audiences from Utah to Africa. As her notoriety expanded, she was asked to write and direct the music for an epic outdoor drama that would run for 23 seasons. “Pathway to Freedom'' was an exciting account of the struggles and heroism of the 1840s a nd 1850s along the 'Underground Railroad' from North Carolina to Indiana. She went on to create and direct music for two more outdoor dramas.

Ann used music to share her faith, promote justice and bridge the racial divide working with diverse groups from eumenical conclaves to inmates at the North Carolina Correctional Center for Women. She authored music publications and two books. Ann was honored with North Carolina's highest civilian award, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, for her exceptional service.

While Ann’s accomplishments reflect a life devoted to service, her greatest impact is perhaps best understood through the lives she touched so deeply—one student, one family, one relationship at a time.

“Mrs. Jones was my music teacher at J.W. Ligon High School. She became my mentor and protector. When I struggled with my schoolwork, she stepped in with support and understanding. I had loving parents, but they did not know how to navigate the school system. Mrs. Jones was right there for me and my family.

She taught me how to pray and read the Bible, and she remained a constant presence in my life after graduation—through my marriage and as Aunt Ann to my children. We took a trip together before she passed away, not knowing it would be our last. It was one of the most profound times we shared.

She left me with something that can never be taken away—her love.”   — J. Fortson