February marks the beginning of Black History Month - an annual celebration that has existed since 1926. But when the roots of Black History Month are traced back to it's origin, what can be found? How did Black History Month begin?


Much of the credit can go to the Harvard Scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who made it his mission to bring Black History into the mainstream public arena. Woodson worked tirelessly with the aim that "the world see the Negro as a participant rather than as a lay figure in history."


In 1926 Woodson organized the first annual Negro History Week, which took place during the second week of February. Woodson chose this date to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Both men's lives had enormously impacted the black population.


Over time, Negro History Week evolved into the Black History Month that we know today - a four-week-long celebration of African American History.

When Nelson Mandela launched a world-wide music campaign to raise awareness about the devastating impact of AIDS in Africa, he turned to artists like Bono, Queen, Peter Gabriel, The Eurythmics and the SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR. 

Celebrating the inspirational power of African Gospel music and dedicated to sharing the joy of faith through music, the 25-member choir will uplift audiences with their earthy rhythms, rich harmonies and roof-raising vocals. Joined by traditional dancers and drummers, the triumphant concert will include African gospel selections, as well as favorites like, “Amazing Grace” and “Paradise Road.”

Purchase tickets for the Soweto Gospel Choir and other events at MSC OPAS!