AME Choir Opens Democratic National Convention

Gospel music took front and center at the opening festivities of the 2016 Democratic National Convention as the historic Mother Bethel AME Choir under the direction of Jonas Crenshaw performed a spirited arrangement of the Battle Hymn of the Republic on Monday, July 25th.

Reverend Anthony Vinson, International Director of Music and Christian Arts for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Minister of Music for the AME Mass Choir  joined Mother Bethel for the performance and shared these sentiments, “What a honor to be a part of such a historic convention and a momentous occasion for a historic church.  Mother Bethel is the first AME Church in the nation, organized by AME Founder Richard Allen in 1794.  Among it many accomplishments, Mother Bethel has been a beacon in African American history having served as a stop on the Underground Railroad and hosting such great orators including Frederick Douglas and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The music ministry of the church continues to celebrate the proud traditions and legacy of the AME Church and we are grateful.”