USNA Gospel Choir in Concert at Ebenezer Baptist Church, January 2004

The U.S. Naval Academy Gospel Choir was in Atlanta for three days for recruiting purposes, visiting local high schools and churches, and to participate in the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday celebration by giving a concert at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.

On Saturday, January 17^th, just before the concert, the Atlanta Chapter, with help from the Georgia Parents Club, sponsored a lunch for the choir members in the basement of the church.

The barbeque lunch was a hit with the Midshipmen and the home-made desserts from Parents Club members were a big hit! It was a nice chance to see the caliber of the young people who make up the Brigade today. (A little sobering, however, to see nametags on these Mids with classes on them like 05 and 06! Yup, we're all gettin' older!)

The program and concert was held from 1400 to 1530 in the Ebenezer Baptist Church, which just underwent a restoration over the past few years. It's a beautiful old church and the choir had the walls shakin'!

Five-year old Ashley Mangum, who opened the program with what can only be called a spirited rendition of the "I Have a Dream" speech, was the hit of the day. There is no way to explain the voice, emotion, and energy that came out of this little girl! You had to be there. The entire congregation stood and applauded when she finished. She was absolutely wonderful. See her picture below this article.

The USNA Gospel Choir's singing was energetic, uplifting, and terrific, as usual. What a talented group of Mids and what a great showcase for the Academy. (Kind of humbles those of us who can't carry a tune in a bucket, however.) Here is a link to a brief, ten second, audio-video clip of the choir singing:

Gospel Choir Audio-Video Clip

Note: You must have a media player that can play .AVI format clips.

(Best sample that could be provided with a small digital camera.) See, we told you that you should have been there!

All in attendance really enjoyed the guest speaker, Mrs. Xernona Clayton. She provided some wonderful personal insight into life with Martin Luther King, Jr. during the years that she worked for him. (Including one really funny story about her hair style! Again, you had to be there.) Mrs. Clayton worked for Dr. King on the Southern Christian Leadership Conference from 1965 to 1968, and also traveled extensively with Mrs. Coretta Scott King. She is a great story-teller and was a pleasure to hear.

In 1967 Mrs. Clayton became the first black woman to host a nationally-acclaimed television talk show. Still living in Atlanta, she has worked for the past 25 years for Turner Broadcasting Systems. She served as their Corporate Vice President for Urban Affairs. Today she serves as Corporate Consultant and Executive Producer for the Turner Broadcasting Trumpet Awards, which highlight the accomplishments and contributions of African-Americans.

Thanks to Stewart Caldwell, our Chapter Director for Brigade Support, for coordinating this event for us, along with Cindy Miller, our area Blue & Gold Coordinator. Thanks also to Jarod and Judy Ogden (Georgia Parents Club President) and their members for making the great desserts. See the picture of a beautiful cake below.

Click on a thumbnail image to view a full sized picture.

MLK Visitor's Center.	New Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.	The Mids arriving for their pre-concert luncheon.
More Mids arriving for lunch.	Buffet line opens.
More Mids at the buffet line.	Some of the Mids enjoying lunch.
Gunnery Sergeant Ellis Covington and LT Demetrius Wilkins (Gospel Choir Officer Rep.)	(l-to-r) LT Wilkins, Stewart Caldwell '65 (Chapter Director for Brigade Support), G. Sergeant Covington, and Don Montgomery '74 (USNA Admissions Outreach Coordinator).
Beautiful "Welcome USNA Gospel Choir" cake provided by Georgia Parents Club!	Judy and Jarod Ogden (Georgia Parents Club President).
(l-to-r) Randy Carson, Judy Ogden, Anita Carson, (all of Parents Club), Cindy Miller '90 (Area Blue & Gold Coordinator) and daughter.	Ogdens accept plaque from Gospel Choir in thanks for co-hosting the luncheon.
Gospel Choir members in group prayer just before concert.	Five-year old Ashley Mangum, presents her enthusiastic rendition of the "I Have a Dream" speech.
Gospel Choir in concert at Ebenezer Baptist Church.	Gospel Choir in concert at Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Guest speaker, Mrs. Xernona Clayton.