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Will the Circle Be Unbroken?: The Sacred Music of the African American Diaspora

Exhibit 04- Women and Worship case

African American women have always been significant contributors to sacred music in all arenas from composition to performance, though their accomplishments are sometimes overshadowed by their male counterparts. In studying their achievements as part of a larger whole, we can truly celebrate and appreciate the scope of the impact that they have had. These women rewrote the songbook of African American sacred music, changing the musical landscape and leaving a legacy for future generations. Part of the "will the Circle Be Unbroken" exhibit at California State University Dominguez Hills. Photo by Beth McDonald, February 2020.

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Women and Worship African American women have been a crucial part of African American sacred music, playing pivotal roles in the advancement of everything from composition to performance. They have also lent their gifts and leadership skills to their churches. Aside from music composition, many of these gifted and accomplished women have held prominent positions within the church, serving as choir directors, ministers of music, organists, pianists, and even ministers. These are just some of the most prominent and influential African American women who have impacted the growth and evolution of sacred music, many of whom have ties to Los Angeles and its sacred music traditions. They have each influenced and been influenced by each other and in studying their achievements as part of a larger whole, we can truly celebrate and appreciate the scope of the impact that they have had. These women rewrote the songbook of African American sacred music, changing the musical landscape and leaving a legacy for future generations.

Materials in this exhibit: