The ETSU Gospel Choir…
The ETSU Gospel Choir is an organization that offers students an opportunity to sing songs of praise. Members display their talents on campus as well as at area colleges, universities, local schools, community events, civic organizations, and churches throughout Tennessee and the bordering states. The ETSU Gospel Choir also has a standing tradition of serving its campus and community in a variety of ways. The organization contributes by participating in homecoming activities, worshiping with their fellow students at the All Campus Worship program, volunteering at organizations such as Carver Recreation Center and Habitat for Humanity, fellowshipping and competing at the National Baptist Student Union Retreat, or simply traveling throughout the close and distant communities to spread God’s will through song and praise.
The Gospel Choir is open to all students who
desire to “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” It is a very
diverse student organization within the Office of Multicultural
Affairs under the advisement of Ms. Laura Terry and the
leadership of its elected student executive board.
Public
Performance Scholarships are available to a select amount of
students who participate in the choir. This scholarship also
waves out-of-state fees.
For information about the choir or the
scholarship contact
marlowt@etsu.edu or phone
423-439-5377.
The Black Affairs Association…
The Black Affairs Association is an organization that is accessible to all ETSU students. It serves as a source of encouragement for students to become involved in various campus-wide activities. The purpose of the association is to provide a wholesome and supportive environment in which students of color can get to know each other and work on projects together that will compliment their educational experience. Black Affairs Association tries to provide Black students with the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, to interact socially, and to help identify and serve the educational needs of Black students at ETSU as well as we hope to promote unity among Black students and other students of different races, cultures and ethnicities. The Organization promotes Black cultural awareness throughout the entire ETSU campus and community through activities and programs sponsored by the organization.
The Black Affairs Association participates in several major events and activities scheduled throughout the year. This outstanding group has many achievements, including awards in multicultural programming for its sponsorship of the culturally informative play, Tennessee Roots: A Musical Celebration, and in social programming for the annual Unity Picnic, a campus-wide event. The Black Affairs Association was the recipient of the 2001-2002 Homecoming King award and the first runner up in the Queen division.
Also during Homecoming, the Black Affairs Association co-sponsors a Comedy Show with the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Homecoming Committee. Some of the comedians who have come to campus for the show include Joe Clair, Lav Luv, Big Sean, Small Frie, Roland, Double D, Gary Owen, K-Dubb, and Ms. Sylvia. They have also expanded their annual comedy show to include Spoken Word and Poetry. In 2008, they brought world renowned poet, Saul Williams.
Among the notable African-American artists and activists who have been introduced to the ETSU community by the Black Affairs Association are Gina Thompson, Nikki Giovanni, and, in co-sponsorship with Eastman Chemical Company, Ossie Davis.
Other special events sponsored by the Black Affairs Association include social activities to welcome new students, a celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., programs and various functions during Black History Month, and seminars addressing diversity on campus. We also have many Open Mic Nights one when students are free to let their creative minds speak of which was hosted by Def Poet and notable spoken word artist, GEORGIA M.E. It’s truly an event to look forward to and one that you don’t forget.
Everyone is welcome to attend meetings. They are held on Wednesday’s at 7pm, DP Culp Center, room locations vary. Contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs for more information about this organization at mcstaff@etsu.edu or call 423-439-6633.