To usher in the Christmas holiday, the Michigan Chronicle hosted a gospel extravaganza like none other. The Michigan Chronicle Season of Praise Gospel Fest presented by HAP kicked off with opening remarks from Dr. Michael Genord, President and CEO of HAP, and Dr. Carladenise Edwards, Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer for Henry Ford Health System.
“As proud neighbors with deep connections to our community, HAP is honored to sponsor and showcase local voices this evening,” Genord says.
The event, aired on Facebook Live, featured performances from local Detroit gospel artists Bam Travis, Eric Deon, Kevin Stewart, Charles Martin, Beth, Bill Moss, Pam, and Dodi. With live band Cordell Walton and Noon Music Co, artists showcase popular gospel songs to help spread faith during this holiday season. Stellar Award nominee Lexi Allen hosted the live event and offered encouraging words for viewers to help guide them through this unprecedented Christmas season.
“We need each other like never before and so we need to be praying, we need to be supporting, we need to be checking on our friends, loving on our family and taking care of ourselves mentally, physically and absolutely spiritually,” Allen says.
During the pandemic, the cancellation of public events and gatherings, including church services, has become a regular occurrence. The gospel fest offered an alternative to worship, allowing an atmosphere of praise and community. Publisher of the Michigan Chronicle and CEO of Real Times Media, Hiram Jackson, believes residents can still find reasons to celebrate.
“It’s been a difficult year, but even in the midst of difficulties and despair, I believe you can create moments of joy and peace,” Jackson shares.
In addition to
musical performances, The Season of Praise Gospel Fest saw some special guests from across the city. Attending the event virtually was Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones, offering words of prayer, Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. of Triumph Church,
and Randi Myles of the Randi Myles Show on the Detroit Praise Network, continuing to emphasize social distancing measures and wearing a mask.
“I want you to stay strong and I want you to stay safe and I want you to wear that mask because we want to see you in 2021,” Myles says.
Pastor of Kingdom Covenant Church, David Johnson, knows all too well the personal effects of COVID-19; he contracted the virus earlier this year. A segment of the show was dedicated to reflecting on his victory over the illness.
“Being a survivor, hospitalized this past March, not being able to breathe, it’s a very very serious and detrimental virus that has overcome and plagued our entire nation,” Johnson explains.
The show closed with a special tribute to gospel giant Rance Allen from Detroit’s own Clark Sisters. Allen, who passed away in late October, is most known for the song “Something About the Name Jesus.”
To watch the Season of Praise Gospel Fest, visit the Michigan Chronicle Facebook page
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