The Saints are on Their Way: SUGC X Harvard University

The Southern University Gospel Choir had the astonishing, yet well-deserved opportunity to perform at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts this past Saturday, February, 17, 2024. The choir was invited by Harvard towards the end of last year and have been anticipating this trip ever since. 46 students, the directing staff, advisors, and musicians, all made their way to perform at a Gospel Explosion Night in efforts to celebrate Black History Month at Harvard’s Memorial Church.
In order to get ready for this opportunity, the choir had to prepare financially, spiritually, and mentally for months. Special Assistant Director, Roland Stewart, says that “We had to make sure we were in the right space spiritually in order to minister in front of other people today. That took a lot of concentration, prayer, and walking the walk of God.” After the performance, Stewart added that, “God happened on today,” and that “The Harvard Memorial Church will never be the same.” Many hours of hard work, in and outside of rehearsal, took place in order for the choir to perform the way they did. Senior, Biology Pre-medical major, Alexcia Smith echoes this by saying, “We work hard. We are authentically trying to give God all the praise and know that He hears us.” Smith expresses how amazing this experience was for her and everyone involved with the choir. “With it being Black History Month, I am proud that we got to show off who we are as an HBCU choir from Baton Rouge.” After this performance, Cambridge will know the name of SUGC, according to Smith.
The Choir performed a well rounded set of nine songs, varying in pace and musicality, to minister to the audience on different levels. Due to this, it was imperative that the members kept their energy high so the Lord could come in and have His way. Southern University Gospel Choir President, James K. Elliot Jr. says that, “The Holy Spirit filled the space of the church. From our rehearsals, to the actual performance, God’s presence never left us.” Elliot also informs that many processes happened behind the scenes to make this opportunity for the choir come into fruition. “It’s just a blessing to be here, and the choir is beyond grateful for this invitation.”
The Rev. Dr. Calvin Jones opened the processional with a shocking history on gospel music and black worship. He said that “Black people sang a new song of gospel music, a song of resistance, a song steep in life, a song with a sonic sophistication that refused to die.” He continued to say that black gospel steamed for a “song that carries the people that were stolen from their homeland and displaced in a foreign land.” The choir then marched into the church saying “We are on our way, to a land of fairest days.” This powerful and impactful opening left the audience on their feet and waiting for more. This young and talented group of students definitely made their mark on Harvard University’s campus.