JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - TelAve -- The Jacksonville Children's Chorus proudly presented the 17th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "Lift Ev'ry Voice & Sing" Concert on Saturday, February 28, at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church. The event was generously sponsored by Florida State College at Jacksonville and VyStar Credit Union.

Held in honor of Black History Month, this annual concert celebrates the life and enduring legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Beyond commemorating the past, the event offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the ongoing work required to advance justice and equity in our communities.

Each year, the concert opens with the African American National Anthem, "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," written by Jacksonville natives James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson. Rooted in unity and community, the song remains a powerful and essential part of the program.

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A cherished tradition of the concert is the inclusion of a Historically Black College or University. This year, the Edward Waters University Concert Choir, under the direction of Jeremy McKinnies, served as the featured HBCU ensemble. Additional guest performers included the Combined Choirs of Florida State College at Jacksonville, led by Dr. Tommy Shapard, and the Ritz Chamber Players. The afternoon was guided by emcees Dr. Audrieanna Burgin, economist, and Coley Jones, Senior Vice President and Business Banking Market Executive for North Florida and Greater Georgia at Bank of America.

Jeremy McKinnies, Edward Water University Concert Choir Director, shared more about his experience being a part of this year's event,

"This was an excellent event that respectfully celebrated the life and mission of Dr. King. I appreciated the diversity in the attendees and musical curation. Edward Waters University was proud to be the representative HBCU choir this year."

To learn more about the Jacksonville Children's Chorus and upcoming events, please visit the link below.

https://www.jaxchildrenschorus.org