It was an afternoon of song and celebration as the community gathered at the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel on the Morehouse campus to attend the screening and discussion of Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s new film Gospel. 

Beyond simply showing the film, we use screenings like these to connect the film to our community in unique ways.  It gave us the opportunity to highlight Georgia's deep connection to gospel music.  Rev. Dr. Dwight Andrews, who was featured in Gospel, joined us to discuss what gospel music means to him and the church, and how gospel music is inspired by popular music, from classic blues to R&B.  "We make it spiritual because of the soul we bring to it," he said.  

Rev. Rylan Harris, Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale and Rev. Dr. Dwight Andrews

Credit: Joya Chapman 

He discussed the significance of songs and sermons with Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale and Rev. Rylan Harris.  Their uplifting and personal conversation brought the film to life in the chapel.  

And of course no event featuring gospel music would be complete without a live performance.  The Morehouse Glee Club visited to sing two gospel songs to help carry the message of the power of song.  

GPB is truly grateful to Rev. Dr. Dwight Andrews, Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale and Rev. Rylan Harris for their time, insight and inspiration; to the Morehouse Glee Club for sharing their jubilant voices; and to Morehouse College for welcoming us into their home. 

The Morehouse Glee Club singing at the Gospel Screening

Credit: Joya Chapman