Soulful Start to “Ebony Soul”
The spirit of God moved the Student Government Association to plan the Chosen Harmony Gospel Showcase to kickoff this year’s 1920′s themed “Ebony Soul” week.
Shameka Williams, parliamentarian and financial secretary of SGA planned the event.
“It was a lot of work. We connected staff and faculty at [Bennett College] to connect with theirchurches that we knew had [talent.] The Bennett [performers] I asked personally.”
Williams felt it was important to involve members of the community in this year’s gospel showcase.
“When two are gathered, God is going to work it out. Maybe attitudes will change; maybelifestyles will change just off of this one program. God was in the midst.”
Many people felt God’s spirit including Freshwoman Siera Toney. Toney lead the opening prayer, and later filled the room with her harmonious pipes. She is glad that SGA chose to kick this week’s events off with the gospel showcase.
“We could have started this off any kind of way. We could have had a little Gym Jam on Sunday night. We could have done a lot of things, but we started off giving honor and glory to God first and foremost.”
Toney has been ministering through her music since she was young. She says that sound, tunes, and keys do not make the performance especially if it is for God.
“I don’t think that anyone here came to perform. Everyone here had a purpose to minister. And regardless of whether or not they walked in their purpose, I was effected…through ministry not through performance.”
Toney was not the only one who exercised her vocal chords for Christ. 23-year-old Stanley Johnson, a visiting performer says that spiritual ministering is important while young.
“It’s very important especially if you have a gift. God is able to pull you and get you experiences, good and bad, but all to help you develop module to what you need [to be effective]. So starting young is very very important.”
Johnson has always been involved with the church, but he didn’t seriously hone his leadership skills until about a year and a half ago. He was inspired to begin a musical project.
“I had to start understanding [my purpose] from concept all the way until completion.”
A year and a half later, his project is complete and going through the promotional phase. He says it is not too late for young people to get closer to God.
“Take [God] seriously. If you have a gift be able to use it. Pray about it. Don’t look at platforms and think you have to be at the top to do your best [for God].”
“Ebony Soul” Week is similar to a traditional homecoming at other collegiate institutions. It is supposed to uplift the Bennett College community by giving students something to celebrate. For information on the “Ebony Soul” events contact any member of the SGA via Facebook at www.facebook.com/bennett.belles.
By: Del’Risha White
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