MILTON — The Fellowship Churches of Santa Rosa County’s Black History Theatrical Committee presented “The Soul of a Sista,” a celebration of black women in music, Feb. 24 in honor of Black History Month.
The performance, which took place in Milton High School’s auditorium, highlighted the impact African American female singers have made on society.
The event commenced with the Black History Celebration Choir and the audience signing James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing” followed by a welcome from Production Director Carolyn McCray, a prayer from Pastor Anthony Scott of Isaiah Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church and an introduction by Shundra Freeman.
Pastor Edwena Watts sang Mahalia Jackson’s “Precious Lord.” Michah Lewis sang Shirley Caesar’s “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name.” Mary Eberhart sang Etta James’s “At Last.” Rose Price sang Aretha Franklin’s “Natural Woman.” Erica McGill, Montreal Rushing and Autumn Allen sang “Baby Love” by Diana Ross and the Supremes. Gretchen Jackson sang Gladys Knight’s “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Xandria Sinclair sang Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman.” Romiyah Downing and Loghan Goodwin-Morris sang “Can’t Give Up Now” by Mary Mary. Tiphanie Sapp, Stephanie Shelton and SoRoyal Sinclair sang “Ladies First” by Queen Latifah. Jackie Roberts-Palmer recited Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman.”
The program proceeded under Annie Gilmore as production coordinator, Angel Long over hair and makeup, Gwen Rhodes with publicity, Jessica Hall over stage props and set, Tiphanie Sapp as talent coordinator, SoRoyal Sinclair as treasurer and Carolyn McCray as director.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Community celebrates black history through women in music