The goal of the Music and the Black Church initiative is to organize and expand the scholarly attention paid to the music of the Black Church and to this tradition’s extraordinary influence on a host of musical cultures—confessional and commercial, American and global.
Music and the Black Church Events
Featured Events
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Meditating on the Black Gospel Tradition
A celebration to launch Music and the Black Church and the publication of Braxton D. Shelley’s Healing for the Soul: Richard Smallwood, the Vamp, and the Gospel Imagination.
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Celebration of the Gospel
Lawrence and Bohanan performed to a packed house at the Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church in New Haven, alongside a community choir drawn from the New Haven area.
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An Evening with the Legendary Clark Sisters
On April 14, 2022, Yale Institute of Sacred Music was thrilled to host the legendary Clark Sisters for a concert, symposium, and masterclass.
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In the Sanctuary Symposium
This inaugural Symposium is an opportunity to experience the rich musical traditions that fill sanctuaries and give sanctuary: spirituals and gospels, hymns and anthems, praise and worship.
Event Listing
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Past Event: Guest Artist | In the Sanctuary with Kurt Carr
An Evening with Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr Singers
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Past Event: In the Sanctuary | Symposium on Music and the Black Church
An opportunity to experience and examine the rich musical traditions that fill sanctuaries and give sanctuary.
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Past Event: Music Ministry | Symposium on Music and the Black Church
Discussion with the leaders of music ministries Symposium on Music and the Black Church.
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Past Event: Music Ministry in the Black Church | Challenge and Innovation
Discussion with leaders of music ministries, including The Potter’s House, Ebenezer Baptist Church (Atlanta), and Greater Centennial AME Zion Church.
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Past Event: Devotion: Meditating on the Black Gospel Tradition
A meditation on Black gospel song by Prof. Shelley in conversation with Cheryl Townsend-Gilkes and Cornel West, interspersed with instrumental solos.
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Past Event: Parting the Waters Beneath the Cross: Sacred Music Honoring Black Women Preachers
Offering a deep reflection on the sacred sermonic work of Black preaching women in literature, music, and theology.
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Our online newsletter reflects on recent programming and upcoming events for this initiative.
