The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Orchestra recently hosted its fifth annual event, ‘Together We Sing,’ which celebrates Black music, community leaders, and the rich cultural heritage of the Black community.
Headlined by the Grammy Award-winning Clark Sisters, the event spotlighted gospel music alongside the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and diverse voices within the community.
Conductor Leon Lacey emphasized the importance of unity and the enduring spirit that characterizes Black music and its cultural roots.
Industry leaders gathered at the Symphony, including notable figures from both gospel music and the Dallas community, to enjoy an evening filled with powerful performances and heartfelt recognition of community contributors.
Dallas’s newly appointed Interim Fire Chief, Justin Ball, spoke positively about the synergy and togetherness present at the gathering.
“It’s great how everyone gets together united for events like this. [We always] show up to everything to build relationships in the community,” Ball remarked.
Pastor Richie Butler, founder of Project Unity, has collaborated with leading gospel artists in previous years and expressed the importance of musical legacy through this year’s headlining act.
Audiences were treated to a reimagined collection of classic gospel hits performed by the Clark Sisters alongside a 200-voice Unity Choir, embodying unity and celebration through music.
As part of the event, several community leaders were acknowledged for their invaluable contributions. Among the honorees was Dr. Michael Hinojosa, Chief Impact Officer of Engage2Learn and former Superintendent of Dallas ISD, who received the Project Unity Legacy Award.
Dr. Hinojosa, an Oak Cliff native, shared his nostalgic relationship with music.
“Growing up in Oak Cliff is very special in my heart, and I used to listen to Al Green all the time; it was a combination of soul music and gospel music,” he said, reflecting on the power of story within music.
“Music is inspiring and tells a story. I never apologize for believing in racial equity.”
Other distinguished award recipients included Almas Muscatwalla, who received the Project Unity Activism Award; Timothy Powers, who was honored with the Project Unity Advocate Award; and Roland G. Parrish, the founder of the Parrish Charitable Foundation, who received the 95th Linz Award.
The late Grammy-winning musician Shaun Martin, a Dallas native, was also memorialized during the event, with a tribute from his family in attendance, alongside a tribute performance for the late Quincy Jones.
As the celebration took place on the eve of Juneteenth, the atmosphere was infused with a sense of reverence for Black music and its pivotal role in the culture.
WFAA’s Dia Wall emphasized the historical significance of Black music.
“Black music means a lot to me and my family. It’s like the soundtrack of every Black home, especially in the South,” Wall noted.
Community changemakers also expressed their sentiments related to the evening’s festivities. Jenny Suh of Jenny Beauty Supply found the joyous events to resonate with her personal faith.
“I am a Christian. I’ve been going to Church since I was born. Gospel music makes me feel so happy and it inspires me,” Suh shared.
The event was co-chaired by T. Dupree Scovell, who highlighted the mission of unity at ‘Together We Sing.’
“The opportunity is really trying to bridge the gap between folks that look like me and folks that look like you,” he stated, reflecting on the aftermath of societal events aimed at fostering inclusivity.
In conversation with the community, Scovell stressed the need for perseverance in unity work.
“Moments like that usually shrink fairly quickly… But what’s important is that we’re going to keep doing the hard work,” he continued, underscoring the importance of commitment to community engagement.
Dallas Mavericks Inclusion Ambassador Chris Arnold shared similar sentiments once he stepped on the blue carpet, noting how Black Music Month invites others to reflect on and appreciate diverse genres.
“It’s outstanding. It’s a month to reflect and also appreciate what we have now,” Arnold remarked, demonstrating how various musical forms embody Black heritage.
He highlighted Beyonce’s recent foray into country music as an example of connections across genres, noting the influence of Black artistry in broader musical contexts.
The event not only celebrated established artists and influences but also provided a platform for aspiring musicians to find their voice in the heritage of Black music.
Maestro Leon Lacey, during the event, offered words of encouragement to budding musicians.
“If you love music, you’ve got to stick with it. You have to encourage yourself mentally and say, ‘This is part of the process of making music and becoming successful,’” he advised.
Pastor Butler also underscored the significance of resilience in life and through music when discussing the evening’s message.
“If this were a message tonight, God gives us more than a second chance. He always gives us another chance,” he said passionately.
As the night concluded with reverberating notes of fellowship and community joy, ‘Together We Sing’ emerged as more than a musical event; it symbolized a celebration of resilience, reverence, and unity that defines Black music and culture.
For those interested in further engaging with the musical community, Maestro Leon Lacey invites everyone to join him for the Black Tie Symphony at IBOC on August 8th.
image source from：dallasweekly
