The Charleston Gospel Choir is pleased to present its 2018 spring performance entitled James Weldon Johnson HIStory & Words Saturday, March 24, 5 p.m. at Charity Missionary Baptist Church, 1544 East Montague Avenue, North Charleston, under the musical direction of Dr. Lester S. Green, Jr., guest conductor.

Through song and narration, the performance showcases and honors the remarkable life and work of Renaissance man James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938), an African-American author, educator, lawyer, diplomat, songwriter, and civil rights activist best remembered for his early leadership of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and his musical works including his poetic lyrics of Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing, now considered the “Negro National Anthem.”

The internationally acclaimed Choir will perform moving gospel and spiritual standards including Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing along with gospel greats including All We Ask by Donnie McClurkin, Aretha Franklin’s arrangement of How I Got Over, Charleston Gospel Choir’s arrangement of Amazing Grace, Edwin Hawkins’ Grammy award-winning Oh Happy Day, and many others.

“I have always been fascinated by James Walden Johnson’s story and felt many do not know his legacy beyond his poem Lift Ev’ry Voice. HIStory chronicles his path that paved the way for many civil rights successes, including the landmark 1954 Supreme Court case Brown vs. Board of Education,” said Lee Pringle, Choir President and event producer.

“I am delighted to help tell this musical story of such an iconic contributor to black history with this amazing group of community singers and Associate Director Jennifer Ancrum,” added Dr. Lester S. Green Jr., guest conductor.

Tickets and Information

Charleston Gospel Choir | James Weldon Johnson HIStory & Words

Saturday, March 24, 2018 • 5 p.m.

Charity Missionary Baptist Church, 1544 East Montague Avenue, North Charleston, SC

General Admission Tickets

$21 adults; $11 children/students with ID

www.charlestongospelchoir.org; (866) 811-4111

or at door (cash or check only) up to one half hour before event

About the Charleston Gospel Choir

Now in its eighteen year, the Charleston Gospel Choir celebrates and performs gospel, spirituals and sacred music for annual concert events including a Palm Saturday weekend performance, Charleston Gospel Christmas, Piccolo Spoleto, and regional events throughout the southeast with numerous international engagements including Paris, London, Rome, Prague and Ghana, West Africa. www.charlestongospelchoir.org