Spiritual songs to highlight Black History Month Feb. 28

Update | Tuesday, February 11, 2020

The Columbus State Gospel Vocal Ensemble (GVE) will celebrate Black History Month by presenting "The Spiritual Songs & Hymns of Harriet & Hamer." This melodious journey from the plantation to the polls will consist of narratives and period music as favored by Harriet Tubman, an Underground Railroad conductor, and famed civil right activist Fannie Lou Hamer.

Because the year 2020 marks the sesquicentennial of the 15th Amendment and the right of African-American men to vote after the Civil War, this year's national theme for Black History Month is "African-Americans and the Vote." This theme speaks to the ongoing struggle as relative to African-Americans' participation in the voting process. Both Tubman and Hamer played instrumental roles in the struggle. Tubman laid a foundation with her role in the Civil War, and Hamer inspired African-Americans to participate in the political system.

In addition to the Ensemble, special guests for this performance will include author and lyricist Stephanie Bridges, producer and playwright Francine Marchelle, and orators April Martin and Natasha Graggs. The concert will be held on Friday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. in Nestor Auditorium. The CVE is under the direction of Emma L. Easton. Admission is free.

 

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