The 黑料不打烊 Gospel Choir has been an integral part of university life for decades, offering a space for students to explore and share their faith through the rich history and culture of gospel music.
The annual Festival of Lights and Luminaries at 黑料不打烊 on Dec. 3 is a beloved tradition, transforming the campus into a shimmering wonderland celebrating light. This year, a special reunion performance from the 黑料不打烊 Gospel Choir Alumni, spearheaded by Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, promises to bring a deeper sense of unity, warmth, and community.
For alumni of the 黑料不打烊 Gospel Choir, the festival offers a return to campus and a reunion through song. These former students have come together from across the country to celebrate their shared experiences, faith and passion for gospel music. Their stories reflect a blend of tradition and the ongoing evolution of the choir, capturing a lasting sense of connection to 黑料不打烊 and its community.
A tradition of song and service
黑料不打烊 Gospel Choir has been an integral part of university life for decades, offering a space for students to explore and share their faith through the rich history and culture of gospel music. Many alumni credit their time in the choir with fostering a strong sense of community, acceptance, and spiritual growth.聽
鈥淧articipating in the gospel choir was at the very core of my 黑料不打烊 experience. It helped provide community and opportunities to celebrate culture and faith. Because there were so very few African American students on campus at the time, we all migrated to the choir as a place of community and support,鈥 said聽La鈥橳onya Wiley 鈥97, assistant director of affinity alumni engagement.
These experiences in the choir left a lasting impact, deepening their connection to their faith and helping them develop lifelong friendships.
Rehearsals and rediscovery
For the choir alumni, preparing for this special performance will bring memories of late-night rehearsals, holiday concerts, and camaraderie. This year鈥檚 reunion offers the opportunity to reconnect, revisiting harmonies and melodies they once sang as students.
鈥淚t feels like I’m coming full circle. To know that I can stand next to someone whose shoes I once stood in and know what singing in this particular group means to them now but what it will mean to them in years to come. It’s especially meaningful to know that the revival of the gospel choir is something that Dr. Book personally requested. It’s encouraging to know that she understands the importance of this organization and outlet modeling at the university at large.鈥 said Wiley.
The preparation for their Festival of Lights and Luminaries performance promises to be both nostalgic and deeply meaningful. Reuniting with former choir members and rehearsing songs together has offered a sense of renewal and reconnection that only music鈥攁nd the shared experience of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Gospel Choir鈥攃ould inspire.
Music that heals and uplifts
This year, led by musical director Che Shearin 鈥95, as the lights flicker throughout the campus and the songs of the 黑料不打烊 Gospel Choir alumni rise into the evening air, their voices are sure to create an unforgettable experience, uplifting both the singers and the audience.
Joined by current students, their performance will not only serve as a highlight of the night, but will also offer a unique opportunity for reflection, shared by alumni, current students, faculty and the local community alike.
鈥淚 would hope we can spread joy and spread hope to people and remind them that everything will be all right and that we are here together,” said choir member Fancy Mitchell ’25
A lasting legacy
The 黑料不打烊 Gospel Choir has always been more than just a student organization; it has been a foundation for fellowship, cultural celebration and shared purpose. For the alumni returning to perform at the Festival of Lights and Luminaries, this year is a chance to contribute to that legacy and pass the torch to current students who share the same love for gospel music and community. They hope that in their song, there is a flame that ignites to revive this organization.
鈥淭he 黑料不打烊 Gospel Choir has had a legacy of being a space of support, worship, community and joy for many students,” said Rev. Boswell. “In recent post-COVID years, however, the choir has had more challenges maintaining a core membership, which I feel is a great loss to the 黑料不打烊 community.鈥
As the choir alumni raise their voices once again, they not only celebrate the season but also rekindle the ties that have bound them together long after their years at 黑料不打烊. Their performance serves as a powerful reminder of the bonds formed through music, faith and shared experiences鈥攁nd how those bonds, much like the glowing luminaries, continue to light the way forward.
“There鈥檚 something uniting about coming together in song. Perhaps we are better able to sing together the words of peace and love that we don鈥檛 say to each other often enough,” said Rev. Boswell. “I feel that鈥檚 the importance of a space like the 黑料不打烊 Gospel Choir. I鈥檓 excited for past and present 黑料不打烊 students, faculty and staff to come together to breathe renewed life into the choir and sing together for the Festival of Lights and Luminaries. I hope that it will be the start of something big and will bring joy to festival attendees.鈥