A local author and musician is using music to celebrate Black History Month and connect the community through the rich traditions of gospel.The Mary Paxton Study Class hosted the event in Independence, Missouri, featuring gospel interpretations of familiar hymns and a live showcase by the choir from Saint Paul AME Church.Organizers said the goal was to highlight how the same hymns can sound different when performed in traditional hymn style versus gospel style — and to share those differences with a broad audience.“This will be new to a lot of people, I’m sure, and they may be up in age, but they haven’t experienced the differences in how our music is from, let’s just say, white churches we follow,” said organizer Alversia Pettigrew.In addition to the live performances, attendees also watched a documentary exploring the history of gospel music in Kansas City and its impact on the region’s cultural and spiritual life.Organizers said they hope the program encourages people to learn more about gospel music’s roots and its role in telling Black history through song.
A local author and musician is using music to celebrate Black History Month and connect the community through the rich traditions of gospel.
The Mary Paxton Study Class hosted the event in Independence, Missouri, featuring gospel interpretations of familiar hymns and a live showcase by the choir from Saint Paul AME Church.
Organizers said the goal was to highlight how the same hymns can sound different when performed in traditional hymn style versus gospel style — and to share those differences with a broad audience.
“This will be new to a lot of people, I’m sure, and they may be up in age, but they haven’t experienced the differences in how our music is from, let’s just say, white churches we follow,” said organizer Alversia Pettigrew.
In addition to the live performances, attendees also watched a documentary exploring the history of gospel music in Kansas City and its impact on the region’s cultural and spiritual life.
Organizers said they hope the program encourages people to learn more about gospel music’s roots and its role in telling Black history through song.