Black History Month concluded with Gwen Moten’s beautifully performed, soulful testimony.
Through storytelling and song, Gwen reflected on growing up in America under the oppressive systems of Jim Crow and segregation, as well as her experiences as a U.S. Cultural Ambassador. She recounted conducting choirs in communities enduring the hardships of occupied Germany and apartheid South Africa.
Presented at St. Mary’s Church in Walthamstow Village, a historic house of worship steeped in the fabric of British colonial conquest. In this poignant setting, Gwen’s personal testimony reverberated through the ancient stone and timber.
Accompanied by the communal voices of the African Diaspora Festival Choir, she transported the audience on an uplifting journey. Her performance celebrated the resilience of the African Atlantic Diaspora, illustrating how love, joy, and kindness have transcended generational pain to inspire hope and humanity.
Gwen, Dexter, Elizabeth and Leon, from the Count Basie Centre for the Arts and the New Jersey Symphony Chorus
Daryl Walker, Associate Conductor, Chapman Roberts Broadway Jazz Ensemble; Director, the Micki Grant Trust
Together they led 25 community singers from the African Diaspora Festival Choir in masterclasses on Black history and choral singing.
Evening rehearsals at Walthamstow Central Library, featured Dr. Allgood’s uplifting arrangements of Fix Me Jesus, If I Can Help Somebody, Isè Oluwa, and A Tribute to Count Basie. These sessions delved into the origins and meanings of sacred, spiritual, and freedom songs.
The African Caribbean Elders Association hosted a midweek gathering with a generous buffet and warm hospitality. During this preview performance, Gwen invited the elders to share their ancestral knowledge, emphasising the importance of passing down histories to empower future generations.
African Diaspora Festival Choir Participants and Performers
Ana Jessica, Andrew Lipiainen, Angela Beckles, Beverley Collins, Carla Boss, Clarissa Pilgrim, Claudia Turbet-Delof, Deborah Anderson, Diana Jones, Donatas Bajorunas, Dorrett Mitchell, Elaine Henry, Elaine Wheeler, Ella Sharpe, Eric King, Harry Holmes, Johanna Nash, Kalyani Paramawantham, Kim Keane, Lenore Cyrus, Lyn Coleman, Magarel Magloin, Marcia Cabey, Melinda Bridges-Briggs, Odette Gaba, Rob Goldman, Rosette Ayebazigwe, Sabah Tally, Sabrina Allicock, Shashe G, Sheena Merchant, Yvonne Phillips
Comments