(NEWARK, NJ) -- On June 21, 2024, in honor of Black Music Month, Clinton Hill Community Action (CHCA) and NJPAC South Ward ArtsXChange, hosted the South Ward Celebration of Gospel, a powerful Gospel Celebration that brought together music lovers and community members to celebrate the rich heritage of gospel music in Newark and its impact on the African-American community.

The event took place on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at Zion Hill Baptist Church, and featured captivating performances by gospel artists from the local community. Attendees were treated to soul-stirring music, powerful messages, praise through liturgical dance, and a sense of unity and spiritual upliftment.

Key highlights of the event included a portion of Brown's Chapel FWB Church Mass Choir singing acapella in the traditional style of common meter hymns, a review of Newark’s gospel history by Dr. Albert Lewis (creator of gospel music month that started off as a week and became a month by the state of NJ).  He was then given a CHCA proclamation for his longevity as a gospel music historian in the south Ward and in Newark. Junius Williams, Esq. provided commentary on how Newark greats such as the Drinkard family (Cissy Houston and Dionne Warwick) shaped gospel music in Newark, and South Ward musicians on the drums, guitar, organ, and keyboard made up the band . Newark’s talent was on full display with performances by Newark residents Andre' Witcher - Vocalist on the Iconic remake of "You are my friend" with Kenny Bobien, Seychelle Elise - Recording Artist, Gail Campbell - Recording Artist,  Vaughn Smith, Clinteeyah Brooks, and Shakur Gibson - a resident and CHCA Staffer.  Also performing were Ian Johnson, the musical director for the evening  and Zion Hill Baptist Church’s Minister of Music, Zion Hill Baptist Church Praise Team, and Camp Dance Ministry.

The event was made possible by the partnership between Clinton Hill Community Action and NJPAC’s ArtsXChange.

“We were thrilled to see the community come together to celebrate the power of gospel music during Black Music Month,” said Khaatim Sherrer El, Clinton Hill Community Action’s Executive Director. “The event was a true testament to how music can bring people together and uplift spirits.”

Over 100 residents and lovers of art were captivated by the powerful connection between gospel music and the African-American community.  People clapped, waved their hands in jubilation, and stood to their feet as the music filled them with joy and exultation as gospel songs painted pictures of African-American history.

Gospel music comes from the soul and it belongs to us.  “Gospel music is our heritage, our Black story. The South Ward Celebration of Gospel beautifully illustrated how each form of gospel music narrated our rich history in Newark and throughout the World,” said Rhenotha Whitaker, Clinton Hill Community Action’s Deputy Director. “We didn't want it to be just a concert but an experience that stayed with you leaving you wanting more.”

Looking ahead, CHCA is committed to continuing to celebrate and honor the contributions of African American musicians and artists within the community through ArtsXChange events. Stay tuned for future events and initiatives that will continue to shine a spotlight on the power of the arts as transformative vehicles of change.

The ArtsXchange is an ongoing collaboration.  The next ArtsXchange event, “Spotlight on Us,” will be July 16, 2024, at Mildred Helms Park, Newark, NJ from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public. Sign up here.

Clinton Hill Community Action (CHCA) is a nonprofit, community development organization that engages residents and partners to revitalize the Clinton Hill neighborhood in Newark’s South Ward. We believe this work must be led by residents, alongside partners who understand the centrality of the role of residents in naming challenges, identifying solutions that are most responsive to their hopes and aspirations, and collaboratively acting for sustained progress. CHCA facilitates this collaborative action and advocacy with a focus on quality, affordable housing, food security, economic empowerment, and environmental justice. Since their founding in 2019, they have worked to build trust in the community and engage residents to address long-standing issues.