In his wildest dreams, Thomas Jefferson probably never would have imagined a University with African-American students. Blame his ignorance or blame history itself, but the University adhered to this for almost a century and a half. The year 1955 marked the first time African-American undergraduates were admitted. The first wave of African-American students fought discrimination and hate. Yet, instead of being content as outsiders, these students began to find a way to integrate themselves into the University community. They wanted to have a voice and did so, thus creating Black Voices. For those who don't know, Black Voices is the University's largest gospel choir. I would like to think that times have changed and we are no longer put off by what is different. However, as of late, the University community has failed to embrace Black Voices. Attendance at concerts or general promotion is relatively low, considering the size of the University. I hope religious undertones aren't scaring anyone because they preach messages that apply to all religious backgrounds. I hope the name isn't scaring anyone because Black Voices is no longer just about African-Americans. This is not the seventies. It's time that our community embraces what may be considered different because Black Voices provides our community with an excellent example of fellowship.
Reginald C. Dance established Black Voices in the early 1970s. His intentions were clear; the University's African-American community needed a spiritual outlet in a predominately white school. Who are we to disagree? The 1960's and 1970's were some of America's most racist and violence-ridden times. Conceivably, an outlet was just what was needed to escape the hate. Establishing Black Voices did just what the title implies: it gave black students a voice in an otherwise white setting in the seventies.
Black Voices just celebrated its 35th anniversary. Some thirty years after its induction, Black Voices is still a staple in the University's African-American community. So the question remains
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