Posted July 7, 2008 to Education News | Section Home | Print

The Nation's 1st Historically Black Colleges and Universities' National Choir

FREE TICKETED EVENT

Opening Day of National HBCU Week

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2008 at 6:00 PM

This unprecedented partnership with The Kennedy Center brings together the historical, cultural and inspirational 105 Voices of the Nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) led by some of their most prolific choir conductors.

Washington, D.C.: Culture, history and community will join hands at this world premiere of a grand display of talent by HBCU students. In an extraordinary collaboration, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and The Kennedy Center's Performing Arts for Everyone Initiative will present the history of the music of HBCUs on The Kennedy Center Concert Hall stage as part of The Kennedy Center's Prelude 2008: Arts Across America. This electrifying event will showcase some of the most talented singers from the HBCUs presenting an American legacy grounded in African-American culture.

It is an honor to announce the National Honorary Chairs: Dr. Sullivan is Chairman of the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs.; Ms. Roberta Flack, Renowned Artist and Howard University Graduate; Mr. Ernest G. Green, Managing Director, Lehman Brothers, ; Mr. James Farmer, Member of The President's Committee for the Arts and the Humanities; Honorable Rodney Slater, Former Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation; and Ms. Debra L. Lee, Chairman and CEO, BET Networks.

We are especially excited that the Colleges and Universities selected the student voice from their University to celebrate the joy of singing in support of social concerns, says Board Chairman, Eugene M. Faison, Jr. and Renata "Toni" Roy, Founder of Partners Achieving Success - "105 Voices Of History." The 2008 Inaugural Performance platform is "Lifting Voices for Health and Economic Empowerment."

Our goal is to increase diversity and inclusion, thereby creating opportunities, resources and partnerships that ensure national recognition and support of HBCU music legacies. Strategic partnerships will support the long-standing choir tradition for present and future generations of America's young student vocalist and musicians. The performance will be comprised of various music genres led by four nationally recognized HBCU conductors. This event will be a featured activity to kick-off the White House Initiative on HBCUs' annual conference commemoration of National HBCU Week.

The Kennedy Center, BET Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, Marriott International, National Endowment for the Humanities, Cracker Barrel Corporation, Outback Steakhouse Corporation (OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC), Equals Three Communications, Inc., MACY*S and Southwest Airlines are inaugural supporters of this premiere event.

FREE TO THE PUBLIC: Tickets distributed on a first come, first served basis; limit one (1) per person.

Free tickets will be available at 4:00 p.m. on the day of performance at The Kennedy Center Concert Hall.

PARTNERSHIPS and SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES are Welcome.

Contact Partners Achieving Success - 105 Voices Of History: www.hbcuchoirs-105voh.com

Become an Inaugural Supporting Friend or Partner for the HBCU National Choir!

HBCU Community: Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, Friends, Family Member and Organizations, Join Us on September 7, 2008 at the Kennedy Center!