By Julie Branham
The Black Diamond Choir was first introduced to the University of Louisville in 1969. Nearly 40 years later, the group is still standing strong and uniting students of different faiths through worship and song.
Most recently, fans, family and friends gathered at the Bates Memorial Baptist Church Sunday evening to hear the choir perform its 33rd annual spring concert.
“Their music fills people with hope,” said Ed Laster, who administers the choir as director of U of L’s Multicultural Academic Enrichment Programs. “Things may be going to heck in a hand basket, but when you see those kids perform, it gives you hope for the future.”
Sophomore Brittany Blackburn has been singing with Black Diamond for a year. To her, the group is much more than a school choir.
“Black Diamond has really shown me a family,” Blackburn said. “I’ve learned that although a lot of us have different religious denominations, our praises all mean the same thing. It is all joyful noise.”
Black Diamond has 100 members and is directed by Rondale Browder. The choir’s academic instructor, Ron Jones, said the group looks forward to the day it will be able to record its music and share its message abroad.
“Gospel music is starting to come out into the mainstream,” Jones said. “Black Diamond is about perpetuating gospel as an art form that enhances life and being.”
Spreading the gospel to others is a large part of Black Diamond’s philosophy, but members also find a deep personal fulfillment in singing for the choir.
“Since joining Black Diamond, my voice has grown and matured,” said sophomore Shawn Hardy. “I’ve realized that God is good, and I love singing to and for Him.”
Recently, the choir has participated in the Kentucky College Choir competition. In early March, it claimed the People’s Choice Award at the Louisville Urban League College Choir Explosion, a competition of choirs from colleges and universities throughout the U.S. Midwest. They have also completed an east coast tour that included performances in Washington, D.C., and Maryland.
Throughout rehearsals, shows, competitions and traveling, Black Diamond continues to recognize the cultural significance rooted in their art form.
“Gospel originated as an African-American art form, but our choir consists of all types of people,” Jones said. “[Gospel] is more than just music, it is a culture that embraces excellence.”
Students who are interested in joining can do so during class registration times. Black Diamond is considered a music performance class and is listed in course schedules under pan-African studies. Participation earns one hour of academic credit.
