Afro-American Gospel Choir
Diverse personalities and unique voices, are different backgrounds, but one thing they have in common are that they are college students sharing a common enjoyment in gospel music. These students whom I mention are formally named the Afro- American Gospel Choir. The gospel choir is a special interest organization on the campus of The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The organization is known for its innovative ministry through music, and represents the University of Alabama as a recruitment resource and also representing the diverse communities as a form of outreach.
The Afro American Gospel Choir has a rich history at the University of Alabama. In the summer of 1971, a group of twelve black students at the University of Alabama decided to enter a talent show sponsored by the Afro-American Association. They chose to sing a gospel song representative of the source of their faith. The performance on August 4, 1971, was the beginning of what was yet to come. In the fall of 1971, some forty to fifty students came together in unity with the original twelve to form what we know today as the Afro-American Gospel Choir. The choir has recorded two albums and has sung all over the southeast. The Afro- American Gospel Choir performs locally and statewide. Some of their performances include events for religious, civic, and social organizations; as well as patriotic events, university functions, and countless others.
The choir provides a sanctuary for the University’s musicians. Chaplain and drummer of the Afro choir, Willie Scott stated, “Being able to be a musician and still be deeply involved with the choir, it’s like the best of both worlds.” The Afro- American Gospel choir is an outlet for sharing talent. The choir has expounded three prominent people since its establishment. Mervyn Warren, a singer from the group Take 6; Terrence Holmes, a comedian, who was recently on the Steve Harvey show “Still Trippin;” and Greta Manning from Tuskegee, who recorded an album several years ago, and is now a doctor in Tennessee.
With around 100 members in their organization, the Afro American Gospel Choir generates a unified sound, which entitles an immense amount of dedication. When asked the question, how do you balance choir with school and other activities? Afro Soprano, Courtney Coleman answered, “I came to the realization that being in the organization does not determine my faith so missing a few performances to study for an upcoming test or to do something else of importance will not be of any harm.” Although the Afro American Gospel Choir may be one of the most active organizations on campus it does allow the members to focus on their studies.
The choir already has twenty-five events booked for the 2009-2010 school year. Afro Alto, Jalicia Davis stated, “not only do we sing on campus but we also travel to many places that I may not go in my day to day life.” The Afros are invited to events all over the US. According to the Director of the Afros, Jesmond Fair, some of the highlights of the semester are the Back to School Concert, the Statewide Gospel Explosion held on the campus of Alabama A&M University, The Alabama and Auburn Unity concert, a hair show, intermission of the University of Alabama’s Homecoming step show, a Benefit concert/Christmas Concert, and several Star-Spangled Banner performances.
Traveling and spending a great amount of time with fellow choir members provides a conduit for friendships and a deeper passion for religion. Jonathan Hayes, Afro Tenor, stated, “Some of the benefits of being in the choir are lifelong friends, becoming a family, and grasping the different backgrounds of people, while gaining a closer relationship with God. The Afro American Gospel Choir is a great entity that promotes diversity, uniqueness and encourages different backgrounds of people to be a part of their organization. The Afro’s encourage people to show their support and dedication to God by joining them as they make a joyful noise.