7 pm
Grand Rapids Public Library, Main Library
111 Library St NE
Grand Rapids MI 49503
What do the great Mahalia Jackson, The Edwin Hawkins Singers, The Winans, and Kirk Franklin have in common? They represent different styles of gospel music that at one time were considered “too worldly” and unfit for the church. Deborah Smith Pollard, Ph.D., Director of the African and African American Program at the University of Michigan – Dearborn, will examine the idea that while gospel music styles were always changing, the message of the gospel has remained constant for more than 100 years. Smith Pollard, a Stellar Award-winning gospel announcer who has hosted and produced gospel music programming for over thirty years, will use music and videos to explore this popular music genre.
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