By Ray Robinson
I recently attended the much-talked about, “ Tri-C Sings…A Gospel Celebration”, in the college’s main campus auditorium and boy what a pleasant surprise they had in store.
It was a magnificent evening for African-Americans to hold their heads up high in celebration of our many accomplishments. There were several speakers who told of our many heroes and sheroes and how they each made huge sacrifices to help further the advancement of “colored” people . There were moments of intense reflection back to where we so proudly began and then there were times that the building rejoiced at just how far we’ve come. Yet, they spoke of the planning that MUST be done for the long , arduous journey ahead.
But mostly, they talked about the love for others, love for oneself and the love that should be shared throughout your community.
They moved the house with some powerful vocal acrobatics supplied by, The Tri-C Joe Clark Choir. A hurricane of a solo by Tasha Baston, the wife of Tri-C’s new President, Michael Baston, shut the building DOWN leaving folks standing on their feet with hands held sky-high in praise of His Holy name. And, not to mention Baston’s lava-hot vocals. Oh, she sang up a storm.
Folks were hollering, screaming and clapping making a thunderous sound like the heavens had actually burst open. A few tears were seen welling up in the eyes of many people too.
To make a great evening even better, The Cleveland Chorale, one of Cleveland’s most popular gospel acts slammed the door with a rousing set that put the icing on a very tasty cake.
Joe Clark was a longtime employee at Tri-C’s Metro Campus. He worked in the mailroom delivering packages and smiles for many years to the delight of those who had the pleasure to meet him.
Click here to see the Tri-C Joe Clark Choirs performance of a lifetime.