The African-American Voices Gospel Choir
@ The Ohio State University
Road to the Black Capitals!
AAV in Front of The Washington Monument aka "The Monument"
Over spring break 2008, a portion of the African American Voices Gospel Choir ventured out to the Black Capitals. The cities that were visited were Washington D.C. and Atlanta GA. The purpose of this trip was to have fun, fellowship, and learn about social justice. Components of the trip included community service, journaling, singing, and independent exploration of the two cities.
It was truly a blessed experience and below are just a few photos and information regarding our experience! If you would like to know any additional information please do not hesitate to contact us!
The Planning Committee
David G. PowellDavid was instrumental in the planning of our trip. Hailing from the city of Washington D.C., he was innovative and brought fresh ideas in planning the schedule and trying to tie in our trip objectives. Additionally he used his connections to provide a place for our choir to minister at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church and community service at Ft. Lincoln. The AAV Gospel Choir owes him a debt of gratitude for his laboring efforts. David is a graduating senior this year!
Thessalonian ThompsonThessalonian Thompson hails from city of Cleveland Ohio. She is in her third year at OSU and in AAV. She was a hardworking dedicated member of this committee. Being a key component in bringing together details in Atlanta GA. She was relentless in her pursuits to contact various organizations to make our experience worthwhile. Additionally she was very gracious in light of the schedule changes in Atlanta as a result of the tornadoes that had passed through the city prior to our arrival there.
Snapshots!
Below are just a FEW shots of our experiences...
Smithsonian Museum
The Guys in front of the Capital Building.
Community Service at Ft. Lincoln
Concert at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church
Concert/Community Service at Family of God Church.
One of many street closings and detours because of the tornadoes in Atlanta.
Some of the tornado damage at the Westin hotel. Similar damage was done throughout downtown, like the CNN building.
The ladies in DC
Smithsonian MuseumThe Guys in front of the Capital Building.Community Service at Ft. Lincoln Concert at Mt. Horeb Baptist ChurchConcert/Community Service at Family of God Church.One of many street closings and detours because of the tornadoes in Atlanta.Some of the tornado damage at the Westin hotel. Similar damage was done throughout downtown, like the CNN building. The ladies in DCDear Diary...
Below are just a few journal entries from various students detailing their experiences on the trip. The student's identities will be kept private.
Student 1
"Day 1 March 14th 2008
On our way to Washington DC we watched the movie "Hairspray" This movie was full of examples of social injustice. The main one coming to mind was how when the main character had to go to detention, it was full of African American. This clearly shows that there is a biased favoring for the white children because black kids are not the only students that can get in trouble. Social injustice was quite prevalent in this time setting of the 60's which blacks fought hard against."
Student 2
"3/15
Today I was pleased that we were welcomed by the hospitality of those in the city. The hotel staff and residents all wanted to know about our choir and its history and I was excited to share. As we went to the church, I became overwhelmingly grateful for the opportunity I had to attend college and obtain my degree. The older generation shared stories of the struggles they had to go through. When social justice was overtly apparent through racism, sexism, and other discrimination. I am happy that I had to chance to speak with the church members who were able to share their stories. Even though several instances of social injustice have been brought to my attention the experience of talking with the elder members of the church was interesting and enriching."
Student 3
"Sunday, March 16th 2008 Washington D.C.
Today we sang for Mt. Horeb Baptist Church. There were hundreds of people in attendance from all walks of life. I spoke with individuals from both sides of the financial spectrum. We presented a powerpoint about Ohio State and offered to answer questions after it was concluded. I spoke with several individuals who expressed interest in going to college and maybe OSU but they faced financial difficulties. That made me wonder about the millions of students who do not go to college because they cant afford it.
Pondering the question of who is financially responsible for the youth of the city, I sympathized with the people who asked me questions. One may think that it is the responsibility of the government to take care of its youth, however it is not the care here in the U.S.
Additionally, we watched the Cinderella musical starring Brandy and Whitney Houston. The importance of accepting a diverse crowd based upon their originality versus their expected acts. It is imperative that people refrain from judging others prematurely and basing their judgment upon previous slander."
Student 4
"March 17th 2008
Today we were stopped by a lot of homeless people as we tried to venture through Atlanta, Georgia. I really couldnt connect my "shunning differences" theory on the homeless but I could see the social injustices these people were plagued by. They were surrounded by many different riches and fortunate people, and yet the were poor themselves. "
Student 5
"03-18-08
After exploring Atlanta and visiting different areas, such as Lenox shopping center, the Underground, and Atlantic City, I have fallen in love again with this great city! Though I travel to Atlanta more than 3 times per year, this visit was different because not only was there site seeing and shopping, but my travels with AAV allowed me to fellowship and minister to the people of Atlanta.
Tonight we engage in worship with the people of The Family of God church. Service was awesome, not only for me as a participant, but also as someone who was able to experience the other ministries. The atmosphere of praise and worship was unlike any other I have felt. I was also happy that some of my family members came to support myself and the choir! Though I am sad because we have to leave tomorrow, I just thank God for allowing us to experience this safely and allowing us to minister to the people."
Student 1
"Day 1 March 14th 2008
On our way to Washington DC we watched the movie "Hairspray" This movie was full of examples of social injustice. The main one coming to mind was how when the main character had to go to detention, it was full of African American. This clearly shows that there is a biased favoring for the white children because black kids are not the only students that can get in trouble. Social injustice was quite prevalent in this time setting of the 60's which blacks fought hard against."
Student 2
"3/15
Today I was pleased that we were welcomed by the hospitality of those in the city. The hotel staff and residents all wanted to know about our choir and its history and I was excited to share. As we went to the church, I became overwhelmingly grateful for the opportunity I had to attend college and obtain my degree. The older generation shared stories of the struggles they had to go through. When social justice was overtly apparent through racism, sexism, and other discrimination. I am happy that I had to chance to speak with the church members who were able to share their stories. Even though several instances of social injustice have been brought to my attention the experience of talking with the elder members of the church was interesting and enriching."
Student 3
"Sunday, March 16th 2008 Washington D.C.
Today we sang for Mt. Horeb Baptist Church. There were hundreds of people in attendance from all walks of life. I spoke with individuals from both sides of the financial spectrum. We presented a powerpoint about Ohio State and offered to answer questions after it was concluded. I spoke with several individuals who expressed interest in going to college and maybe OSU but they faced financial difficulties. That made me wonder about the millions of students who do not go to college because they cant afford it.
Pondering the question of who is financially responsible for the youth of the city, I sympathized with the people who asked me questions. One may think that it is the responsibility of the government to take care of its youth, however it is not the care here in the U.S.
Additionally, we watched the Cinderella musical starring Brandy and Whitney Houston. The importance of accepting a diverse crowd based upon their originality versus their expected acts. It is imperative that people refrain from judging others prematurely and basing their judgment upon previous slander."
Student 4
"March 17th 2008
Today we were stopped by a lot of homeless people as we tried to venture through Atlanta, Georgia. I really couldnt connect my "shunning differences" theory on the homeless but I could see the social injustices these people were plagued by. They were surrounded by many different riches and fortunate people, and yet the were poor themselves. "
Student 5
"03-18-08
After exploring Atlanta and visiting different areas, such as Lenox shopping center, the Underground, and Atlantic City, I have fallen in love again with this great city! Though I travel to Atlanta more than 3 times per year, this visit was different because not only was there site seeing and shopping, but my travels with AAV allowed me to fellowship and minister to the people of Atlanta.
Tonight we engage in worship with the people of The Family of God church. Service was awesome, not only for me as a participant, but also as someone who was able to experience the other ministries. The atmosphere of praise and worship was unlike any other I have felt. I was also happy that some of my family members came to support myself and the choir! Though I am sad because we have to leave tomorrow, I just thank God for allowing us to experience this safely and allowing us to minister to the people."
Featured on OSU Website
Our president was featured on The Ohio State University website. They selected certain student experiences that took place over spring break and ours was one that was chosen. Below is the screenshot from the website!
Sponsorship!
Words cannot express our gratitude to the various sponsors that helped make this trip a reality! We thank you, we thank you, we thank you!!!!
The Office of Minority Affairs THANK YOU!
The Multicultural Center THANK YOU!
University Housing Black Student Assoc. THANK YOU!
Baker West Hall Council THANK YOU!
BHN Hall Council THANK YOU!
Mt. Horeb Baptist Church THANK YOU!
Family of God Church THANK YOU!
Ft. Lincoln THANK YOU!
Also special thanks to the following....
The 2007-2008 AAVGC Executive Board THANK YOU!
David Powell and Thess Thompson THANK YOU!
The Black Capitals Experience Participants THANK YOU!
Anthony Walls and Neal Abernathy THANK YOU!
The Office of Minority Affairs THANK YOU!
The Multicultural Center THANK YOU!
University Housing Black Student Assoc. THANK YOU!
Baker West Hall Council THANK YOU!
BHN Hall Council THANK YOU!
Mt. Horeb Baptist Church THANK YOU!
Family of God Church THANK YOU!
Ft. Lincoln THANK YOU!
Also special thanks to the following....
The 2007-2008 AAVGC Executive Board THANK YOU!
David Powell and Thess Thompson THANK YOU!
The Black Capitals Experience Participants THANK YOU!
Anthony Walls and Neal Abernathy THANK YOU!