Ask Henry “Hank” Bolden what went through his mind as he crossed the Commencement stage, and the 86-year-old will joke, “Not to fall!”
A happy, exciting moment on May 14 at the XL Center as he earned his degree, with some levity thrown in for good measure. It’s a moment he’s earned and waited for nearly his whole life. But getting there has also required more resilience, grit, and courage than anyone could imagine.
Bolden is an “Atomic Veteran,” one of thousands of Black soldiers used in government experiments focused on nuclear weapons exposure during the Cold War. He had no idea what was about to unfold when he and other members of the military were assigned to a special exercise in Nevada in 1955, and later developed significant medical problems as a result—and was always warned by the government to keep the experiments a secret. He fought to receive support for medical treatment, as well as compensation, once it all became public knowledge decades later.
But music was always in Bolden’s heart and soul, and he was intent on sharing it with the world. After traveling and playing saxophone as a musician, Bolden decided to pursue a degree at The Hartt School at the University of Hartford in his 80s. (NBC CT shared his story after he enrolled, and chatted with him again this spring when he graduated.)
“I made an attempt to attend in 1958, and instead went on the road with different bands. It’s always been on my mind since 1958,” Bolden says. “So I met with Dr. (Javon) Jackson. I thought, ‘What can I do? What am I thinking?’” He encouraged me, tremendously. I’ve loved every moment of it.”
Jackson, professor of jazz saxophone and director of the Jackie McLean Jazz Studies Division at Hartt’s Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz, said it’s been “an extreme honor” to know Bolden the past few years.
“His dedication and commitment to evolve and grow are an inspiration for us all. This most recent achievement is a testament to Hank Bolden, the career jazz musician,” Jackson says.
Bolden was decades older than the students in his courses, though he knew he could learn from them, and they could learn from him. His talent and experience were obvious; still, he wanted to learn theory and everything else he could about jazz.
He worried over the years about completing his degree, but even fellow students cheered him on. How does he feel now that he’s a college graduate?
“The words alone do not even tell the story. I can say for myself I’m so proud. I had my whole family there too,” Bolden says.
And he’s not finished, either. He hopes to continue taking courses in music and performing in the community.
“I’ll take it as it comes,” Bolden added. “I want to keep myself going forward.”
Dr. Javon Jackson, Professor of jazz saxophone and director of the Jackie McLean Jazz Studies Division at Hartt’s Jackie McLean Institute of JazzHis dedication and commitment to evolve and grow are an inspiration for us all. This most recent achievement is a testament to Hank Bolden, the career jazz musician.