Appreciation for the Christmas Carol

December 22, 2020

This year, Spelman College has been tested. In the face of adversity, the Spelman community has risen with grace and courage to meet every challenge. The magnificent performance of our students in this year’s 94th Christmas Carol Concert, resonated with the grace and courage our community displayed during these trying times.

Listening to the voices that sang with such feeling and power, I marveled at the tenacity these Spelman women displayed even though they had to rehearse online, and work on the performance as they were meeting their academic requirements, while the world was churning around them. When the cameras rolled, the glee club took center stage. Their radiance was undeniable and virtually erupted from the screen!

We thank each and every one of our glee club members, whose names are listed below.

This year was uniquely special and difficult for glee club members in their senior year. I want to congratulate you especially. Each of you are a powerful symbol of the Spelman excellence and resilience we witnessed throughout our entire community over the course of a nearly impossible nine months.

Dr. Kevin Johnson, your leadership and insistence on excellence are evident in every note. Dr. Joyce Johnson, you have given us a cherished gift in your music that is the soul of Sisters Chapel. We thank you and we thank the gifted Brittney Boykin, C'2011, for her artistry and we are so grateful for the organizing prowess of the indefatigable Valentine Williamson, C'2013.

To mount a virtual production of the quality of the December 16th performance takes an extremely talented team. Let me pause here to thank everyone individually.

The Spelman College Christmas Carol Committee and production team: Bryan Simmons, Xavier Souder, Furery Reid, Kyon Dorsey, Dr. Paula Grissom-Broughton, C'97, Dawn Garvin, Joyce Davis, Ingrid Scurry Lassiter, Jazmyn Burton, Angela Wood, C’90, Allison Howard, Mashaun D. Simon, Ashli Washington, Ingrid Hayes, Heather Hawes, C'89, Renee Leonard, Dorita Treadwell, Habiba Harrell, Jihan Lang, Tiffany Hemby and Alyson Shumpert Dorsey, C'2002.

Listening to this concert, I recalled the line of scripture that President Barack Obama recited on the occasion of Congressman John Lewis’ Homegoing.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may mature and complete, lacking nothing."

Thank you all for all that you do for Spelman College.

Have a glorious holiday. Be well and keep the faith.