Wednesday, Feb 5, 2014
A recital in honor of Black History Month, presented by the Westminster Black and Hispanic Alliance
by Aimee LaBrie
Students, faculty and staff are invited to attend Lyrics of Freedom, Soundtrack for a Revolution sponsored by the Westminster Black and Hispanic Alliance in celebration of Black History Month on Friday, February 7 at 7:30 p.m. in Bristol Chapel on Princeton’s campus.
Performed by faculty and staff of the Westminster Choir College, this recital features music and poetry highlighting the Civil Rights Movement, as well as spirituals and gospel songs. Selections include Moses Hogan's Give Me Jesus, John Johnson's Lift Every Voice and Sing and Richard Smallwood's Total Praise. In addition, Evelyn Thomas, Pamela Pruitt and others will read selections of poetry by Amiri Baraka, Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks and Margaret Walker.
“Lyrics of Freedom is such an meaningful program in that it highlights all the unique sounds of the Civil Rights struggle,” explains Evelyn Thomas, director of the Educational Opportunity Program, an advisor for the Black and Hispanic Alliance and an orator for the recital. “These songs and poems underscore the great courage of those who led one of the most important movements of our time. Our students will gain tremendous insight from exploring, performing and experiencing this material. I'm very excited for them.”
Other performers include Pamela Pruitt, orator, Kristen Cobb, soprano, Brandon Waddles, piano, and members of Westminster Choir College students and faculty.
Vinroy D. Brown, Jr. '15, President, Westminster Black & Hispanic Alliance and SGA Diversity Chair, underscores the historical significance underlying the event. “As a result of the Civil Rights Movement, we have a rich library of music and poetry that speaks to the diverse experiences and perspectives of that time. This program is unique to our Westminster campus specifically as this repertoire has not been explored on this scale. We hope to draw connections of social climate to the arts in a new and invigorating light.”
“We are thrilled to present meaningful and entertaining programs for our Black History Month celebration across our Lawrenceville and Princeton campuses,” says Pamela Pruitt, Director of Multicultural Affairs at Rider. “Supporting diversity through our cultural clubs and their efforts in bringing to light programming that can bring awareness to others is an essential part of Rider's educational mission.”
This performance is free and open to the public. View the full roster of events for Black History Month here.
