HBCU rivals unified as one during spring concert

Leonard Moore

MC301 Contributor

On March 29, 2019, Jackson State University’s Mass Choir hosted its 2nd Annual Spring Concert, “Blast From Thee Past”.

At this concert, three historic black college rivals met once again.  This was no ordinary meeting.  The schools came together, not as rivals, but as one in worship. Jackson State, Alcorn State University, and Southern University’s gospel choirs came with one goal in mind, to lift up the name of Jesus.

Held at the Jackson Revival Center Church, the worship experience kicked off with song selections from Jackson State’s Praise Team, and then on to scripture reading and a unified prayer.

Once unified, Juan Knight, JSU Mass Choir founder and staff advisor introduced Minister Jason Gibson, Master of Ceremony.  Filled with love and laughter, Gibson kept the order of worship going.

Starting with JSU Mass, Alcorn State University Gospel Choir, and lastly Southern University Gospel Choir, the HBCU choirs gave God an unordinary worship.  The worship was spiritual, uplifting, and yet unifying.

Meanwhile, being held at the Jackson Revival Center Church has great significance.  According to Knight, “Not only is Jackson Revival Center my church home, but before Jackson Revival Center integrated, the entire Jackson State Gospel choir attended service there to sing in the 1970’s.”

While attending, the choir joined Jackson Revival Center Church as members,” Knight said.  “Jackson State Gospel Choir then became members of Jackson Revival Center Church Choir,” Knight said. “Jackson Revival Center has a lot of history with JSU Mass.”

Knight added, “Being that this year’s theme is Blast From Thee Past, I feel that God totally orchestrated us having the concert at a church that we share such great history with,” said Knight.  “It all correlates together.  It just worked out that way.”

Daniel Stallworth, choir director for Alcorn State University Gospel Choir said, “I think this event is very wonderful.  It is good having everyone come together to praise God and celebrate Jesus for who he is. It is really nice.”

Stallworth added, “With JSU and Alcorn being such rivals as it relates to football, bringing the choirs together as one to praise God is awesome, being able to put rivalry aside, and to be Christlike I just love it.  Its good to be able to come together.”

Roland Stewart, assistant director and assistant advisor for the Southern University Gospel Choir was pleased that the event unifies the universities.

“Blast From Thee Past is dynamic. The praise and worship is really pure. Its really good to see young folks come together and be able to be on the same level, especially on a Friday night,” said Stewart.

He added, “We are very excited to be able to come here with Alcorn.  We get a chance to see them outside of the football arena.  I encourage other rival university’s out there to jump on board.”

The event did not only bring out the choirs, it drew the presence of a queen.

“Tonight’s event is amazing,” said Gabrielle Baker, 79^thMiss Jackson State University.  “It amazing to see Southern, Jackson State, and Alcorn come together in the name of Jesus Christ.  In sports we are always competing.  We don’t just compete, but we are rivals.  Not this time though.  It is just so great to see all come together as one for such a great event.”

Baker believes the event is a ministry.

“Not everyone serve the same God or have the same religion, but tonight we all came together as one.  Three different schools serving one God, under one roof is powerful.”

She added, “JSU Mass is anointed.  God has truly blessed the vision of Juan Knight, and I can not wait to see what years to come has to offer.”