The African American Achievers Youth Corps, Inc. sponsored their 10th Annual “Kings of Gospel” Concert in observance of the 9th Anniversary of the Glen this past Saturday. The event was in held in conjunction with the 4th Annual Gary Greats Awards Program.
A record crowd attended to hear 15 of the Gary area best male gospel singers.
Participants included Bishop Norman Hairston, David Gullett, Michael Curtis, Rev. John Talley, Booker T. Buckingham, Khary Laurent, Dwight Edwards, Bruce A. Pearson, Jonathan Portis, Jarritt Hayden, Rev. Marquise Washington, Nate Simms, Andre’ Adams, Sylvester Mabone, and Charles Johnson.
Rep. Vernon G. Smith, Chairman of the Achievers’ Board of Directors, said the funds raised from the concert will be used to help pay for repairs for the theatre and winter utility bills which for the theatre are quite expensive. He noted the members of the organization are quite grateful for the singers who were a part of this event. He presented plaques to each participant along with one to Ayanna Wright, radio personality from WGVE Radio, who served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the event.
During the event four 2017 Gary Great Awards were presented to Dorothy Leavell Smith, CEO and Publisher of the Gary and Chicago Crusader; Carmen Cammarata, former principal of Washington Elementary School, Aetna Elementary School, Spaulding Elementary School, and Kennedy-King Middle School; Mary Edwards, Director of Brothers’ Keeper; and Dr. Cordia Price Moore, former principal of Washington Elementary School and former Assistant to the Superintendent and former Acting Superintendent of the Gary Community Schools.