The Friends of Augusta Savage, Inc. Cordially Invite You to Celebrate: The Evolution of Black Sacred Music | A musical journey of 400+ Years from Slavery to Gospel Rap

Saturday, February 1, 2025
4:00 p.m.
Mt. Zion AME Church
549 Palmetto Avenue
Green Cove Springs, Florida

Dr. Barbara McNeeley Bouie, Music Consultant to the AME Church, Directress
Mr. Cedric Williams, Collaborating Musician
Rev. Rose Wilson, Narrator
Written and compiled by Mary S. Wheeler

The program will cover African American sacred musical forms from slavery to post-emancipation to the advent of gospel music. Emphasis will be placed on the work of Dr. Thomas Dorsey and the singers he used and developed to help him spread his creation.  We will then investigate the various formats that evolved based on this musical history to the present day.  This program seeks to tell the story demonstrating the importance of African American Sacred Music to African Americans’ survival and ability to thrive in the unfriendly environment of the United States. Come, pat your feet, clap your hands and sing along in celebration of African American heritage!  The
program is free and open to the public.