Black History to be Celebrated through Song

As part of the Black History Month activities, the Fresno City Singers and Fresno State Choirs will perform together on Feb. 10 in the OAB Auditorium.

The show will be free to the public and begins at 7:30 p.m.

“Walk in Peace: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King and Black History Month” will feature readings from the works of Martin Luther King Jr. and other notable historical figures.

The performance will be unique in that it mixes readings along with spiritual and gospel music. It will open with an all-female sequence, featuring women from all three choirs, said FCC choral instructor, Julie Dana.

Fresno State Director of Choral Activities Cari Earnhardt, a newcomer to Fresno, came up with the idea to mix her concert choir and chamber singers in with the City Singers, Dana said.

“She kind of put the script together,” said Dana. “She wanted to do something to honor Black History Month.” Each choir will also have a chance to perform on their own during the evening.

The performance is especially sweet for Dana, because some of the Fresno State singers are former students of hers.

“I know some of her students,” Dana said. “And they know me.”