GOSPEL MUSICAL TO HIGHLIGHT AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE

(KINGSVILLE, February 14, 1997) -- In celebration of Black History Month, Texas A&M University-Kingsville will host a Gospel Musical at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, in the Bellamah Music Building Recital Hall.

Church and community choirs from San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Sinton and Kingsville will participate. Each choir will perform at least two pieces, and some solos will be featured.

"Gospel is really part of the roots of African American music," said Dr. Doze Butler, committee member and associate professor in the Department of Human Sciences.

Committee Chair Lt. Sandra Jefferson of the University Police Department agreed. "Music is our heritage," she said. "It was the way slaves used to communicate when escaping, a way of soothing our ills in bad times and a celebration of heritage."

The event is being sponsored by the A&M-Kingsville Black Heritage/Awareness Celebration Committee and is open to the public. Admission is free. For additional information call (512) 593-2760 or (512) 593-2611.

-TAMUK-
- Mary McAdam