VCU’s oldest choir marks its 40th anniversary

Autumn Gilliam

Contributing Writer

A concert will be held Sunday on April 25 to commemorate the Black Awakening Choir’s 40th Anniversary.

This year the concert will be unlike previous celebrations, with added participants to the performances. Local dance and mime ministries will accompany the Black Awakening Choir, as well as special guest Alicia Peters.

Special events coordinator, Edward Taylor Jr., said he has been hard at work planning and promoting this highly anticipated event.

“I’m excited and ecstatic (about the anniversary) because this great choir, has pressed through many trials and troubles to get to where we are now,” Taylor said. “We’ve been through transitions in leadership, little funding from the university, group numbers fluctuating, and more.”

The concert will be held at Fifth Baptist Church, located at 1415 West Cary Street. The concert begins at 5 p.m.; doors will open at 4:30 p.m., according to Taylor. The concert is free to VCU students, and the surrounding community.

Taylor anticipates a large turnout including former members of the Black Awakening Choir and their families. “I know the crowd is going to be huge. In attending this milestone event, expect effective Ministry, great music, and a blessed time,” Taylor said.

Over the years the choir has received numerous awards for outstanding ministry and community involvement according to the choir’s Web site. The choir also won first place in the National Baptist Student Union Choir Competition in 1988, 1999, 2002 and again in 2005.

For more information on the Black Awakening Choir, visit their Web site at www.Blackawakening.com. Information about the 40th Anniversary Concert can also be found on their facebook event page at www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/event.php?eid=112207088802064.