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AKOMA’S

Advent Bible Fellowship Pastor: Mr. Louis Shorter Cecille Shorter Baber AME Pastor: Rev. Marlowe V. N. Washington Robin Franklin Bethel Christian Fellowship Pastor: Rev. Ron A. Domina Georgia Ann Prescott Breath of Life SDA Pastor: Pastor Cornelius Wesley Deseree Bliss Carolyn Butts Evelyn Greenwade Boltwood Cheryl Y. Johnson Roxanne Wright Church of Love Faith Center Pastor: Bishop Gregory L. Parris Dr. Arlette Miller Smith Faith Hope and Charity Worship Center Pastor: Bishop John Crocker Rosa L. Taylor-Payne First Church of God Pastor: Rev. Dr. Dwight Fowler Myrtle Day Regina Fowler Gloria McCullough Full Gospel Tabernacle Pastor: Rev. Ira White Clara Warfield Grace Episcopal Pastor: Rev. Jeffrey Haines Nina Johnson Immaculate Conception Pastor: Father Paul Gitau Carole Castle Musette Castle Joanne Gordon Elaine Lane Rose Stokes Mary Wingo

Jefferson Avenue SDA Pastor: Pastor Cornell Miller Valerie White-Whittick Dorothy Bowman Wilson Kingdom Dominion Ministries Pastor: Pastor Tellis Kimborough Phyllis Griffin Living Word Full Gospel Pastor: Pastor Nathan McGill, Sr. Louise McBride Memorial AME Zion Pastor: Rev. Dr. Kenneth Q. James Nancy Walters Eunice White Mt. Vernon Baptist Pastor: Rev. Dr. Harmon E. Stockdale Cheryl Holloway Rita Mitchell Karen Summers New Bethel CME Pastor: Rev. Weldon G. Thomas Joe Ann Flagg Julia Lawson Anita Simpson Gloria Wilson Prayer House Church of God by Faith Pastor: Pastor George Dailey Marcelle Davis Second Baptist - Mumford Pastor: Rev. Dr. Charles A. Thurman Marguerite B. Lucas Shelley Rice Arlene Williams St. Luke/St. Simon's Cyrene Pastor: Rev. Michael Hopkins Ruth Anderson Irene Marrero St. Paul Holiness Pastor: Rev. Abraham Parker Kristy Jackson The Father’s House Pastor: Pastor Pierre du Plessis Kathy Damann

13th Annual Scholarship Concert

Blessed & Highly Favored Luke 1: 28

AKOMA Rochester’s African American Women’s Gospel Choir

Saturday, June 14, 2008 - 6:30 PM

Mt. Vernon Baptist Church

351 Joseph Avenue - Rochester, New York

2

AKOMA is Rochester’s African American Women’s Gospel Choir whose West African Akan name means

patience, endurance, consistency and faithfulness. AKOMA’s adinkra symbol is the heart which indicates

compassion, tenderness and charity.

After a debut performance in August of 1995 for Women Fest- a day-long celebration of the 75th Anniversary of

Women’s Right to vote-the group of thirty-five women decided to embrace a musical ministry that encompassed

both their collective faith and their love for gospel music. Under the direction of Janet Rugless-Poles, executive

music director; Cheryl Holloway, conductor/soloist; and Arlette Miller Smith, founder/executive director, the

group adopted the name AKOMA that was suggested by Dr. David A. Anderson/Sankofa. The name also

symbolized their African heritage while highlighting their strong spiritual roots, along with their desire to serve

the Rochester community. In fact, 19 Rochester area churches are represented on AKOMA’s current roster of

more than 40 sister-members.

In her first year, AKOMA was featured at numerous local programs and concerts. On June 22, 1996,

AKOMA made her debut concert and established the Nona Patterson Chambers Scholarship in honor of her

elder member and adopted choir mother. Across her thirteen year herstory, sixty-three young Christian women

have received more than $38K to attend college.

Since her inception year, AKOMA has been privileged to sing with Grammy Award winner Larnelle Harris; to

appear on Channel 13’s ―Many Voices, Many Visions;‖ and to provide music for a program featuring Seattle

poet Laureate Mona Lake Jones who wrote the poem, ―A Room full of Sisters‖ which AKOMA has used as her

introductory anthem. AKOMA also was blessed to present an original specially commissioned docudrama,

―Stirring the Waters, Tending the Pots,‖ at Geva Theatre for the 95/75 Women’s Rights Celebration; to provide

music at programs honoring Bishop Desmond Tutu and United Methodist Bishop Violet Fisher; to sing with the

Penfield Symphony at several of their annual holiday concerts; to be featured at SUNY Plattsburgh’s Gospel

Concert; and to sing several times at the Clarissa Street Festival.

In 2004 at the Strong Museum, AKOMA presented a major production titled, ―From Struggle to Strength:

Gospel Then and Now,‖ in which the group chronicled in song and the spoken word, the evolution of gospel

music as a means of strength through the struggle for freedom. As a part of Strong Museum’s Creating

American Music Series Struggle was written and arranged by AKOMA’s executive director, Dr. Arlette Miller

Smith with assistance from sister-member Ramona Moore.

During 2005-2006, AKOMA’s ministry included the following engagements: the annual gospel concert for the

Pennington-Moye VFW Post; the Penfield Symphony Annual Christmas Concert; the William Warfield

Scholarship Concert; Memorial Art Gallery’s & the Arts & Cultural Council’s Women’s Voices: African

American Gospel Singers Program in honor of National Women’s History Month. AKOMA’s program was

titled Sacred Songs of the Sisterhood. The sisters closed out the year by singing at the Alpha Phi Alpha 74th

Eastern Regional Conference Sunday Worship Service.

In 2006-2007, AKOMA’s ministry schedule expanded with a number of new outreach venues including singing

at St. John’s Catholic Church in Brockport and at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Fairport. In

February, the Sisters joined the brothers of the VOICES OF THUNDER in a combined concert. During the

summer of 2007, AKOMA’s sacred music and cultural messages traveled to Buffalo to provide music and the

spoken word for the National Black Catholic Congress Conference. The most significance change, however, in

the life of AKOMA during 2006-2007 was the home-going of three dedicated long-time members: Brenda

Robinson, Martha Davis-Wilcox, and Sharon Williams. In September of 2007 sister-member Zula Bostic also

transitioned from this side. We know that as ―Sisters on the Other Side,‖ all four of them have joined that

eternal choir where their joyful voices now fill the heaven choir.

In 2007, AKOMA ministered at Mt. Vernon’s Women’s Day Concert, and our executive director was the

keynote speaker for the Women’s Day Program. At the end of September, the sisterhood provided music for the

(Continued on page 3)

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The purpose of the SOS gospel choir is to provide a positive outlet for girls to get together with their

peers and use their gift and love for singing in order to glorify Jesus Christ. How to Join the SOS Gospel Choir?

Go to www.save-our-sisters.com

Call Yvondria Thomas at 454-1820; POB 26424, Rochester, NY 14626

Who Can Join?

Girls and Young Women who have the heart and the desire to sing When are SOS Choir rehearsals? 1st Saturdays at 10:30 AM: RL Edwards Manor, 615 Clarissa St. Rochester, NY

Save Our Sisters (SOS): Our mission is to Save Our Sisters of all nationalities, cultures, and religious

backgrounds in the Rochester community from negative social activities in their environment. It is our

responsibility as a community to cultivate a strong sense of pride and well-being, to stem the tide of self-

destruction and disrespect that is commonplace.

SOS is intended to begin to empower girls and women with the armament of self-esteem, educational

and work values, communication skills, health awareness, safety and financial security. We will provide

pathways, resources, and contacts that will enable our young sisters to reach their true potential. Save

Our Sisters hopes to encourage young women to follow their dreams and to expand their vision.

10

Chair/Exec. Director/Founder – Dr. Arlette Miller Smith

Co-Chair, President, Program Comm. Chair – Rita Mitchell

Exec. Music Director & Music Comm. Chair – Karen Summers

VP, Membership Comm. Co-Chair – Nancy Walters

Secretary – Shelley Rice

Assist. Secretary – Ruth Anderson

Treasurer & Web Site Comm. Chair – Gloria Wilson

Assistant Treasurer – Myrtle Day

Attendance Clerk – Kristy Jackson

Chaplain – Phyllis Griffin

Parliamentarian – Georgia Prescott

Historian, Nominating Comm. Chair – Eunice White

Membership Comm. Co-Chairs – Carolyn Butts & Nancy Walters

Finance Comm. Chair – Tamisha Smith

Scholarship Comm. Chair – Musette Castle

Fund Raising Comm. Chair – Arlene Williams

PR Comm. Co-Chairs – Anita Simpson & Rose Stokes

Tech. Support Comm. Chairs – Anita Simpson

By-Laws Comm. Chair – Nancy Walters

Hospitality Comm. Chair – Phyllis Griffin

Retreat Comm. Chair – Robin Franklin

Strategic Planning Comm. Chair – TBD

Cheryl McGruder-Holloway

- Kathy Damann

- Dorothy Bowman Wilson

Abraham Butts Joann Gordon

Marilyn Johnson Kathy Parker

Danny Walters Clyde Wilson

Abraham Butts Oscar Holloway

Art Smith

JoeAnn Flagg Julia Lawson

Anita Simpson Dorothy Bowman Wilson

John Lee

Art Smith

Joanne Gordon

Dr. Arlette Miller Smith

AKOMA’s

3

AKOMA

2008 Blessed & Highly Favored Luke 1: 28

2007 Love One Another John 13: 34-35

2006 From Struggle to Strength: Sacred Songs of the Sisterhood 2 Corinthians 12:10

2005 ...And With My Song Will I Praise Him Psalm 28:7

2004 Let Everything That Hath Breath Praise The Lord Psalms 150

2003 With My Whole Heart Psalms 138:1

2002 Constant Blessings Ephesians 1:3

2001 More Than Enough Isaiah 12:2

2000 We Give You Praise Psalms 63:3-4

1999 Better Than Blessed Psalms 34:8-10

1998 Perpetual Praise Psalms 34:1

1997 I Have Hope Hosea 2:15

1996 Come Let Us Sing Psalms 28:7

Sigma Phi Gamma Iota Boule’s Worship Service that was held at the Hyatt. The month of October found the

sisters providing music for Memorial AME Zion’s revival and the Pennington-Moye VFW Post’s Annual

Musical, which was held at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church.

In January, 2008 AKOMA created a concert around the theme: ―Women Voicing the Dream‖ for Hobart

William Smith Colleges’ Annual Martin Luther King address. The keynote address, ―Armored Resistors:

African American Women in the Modern Civil Rights Movement‖ was delivered by AKOMA’s founder and

executive director, Dr. Arlette Miller Smith. February found AKOMA singing at Hill Haven Nursing facility and

back in concert with their favorite brothers, the VOICES OF THUNDER.

AKOMA’s current executive music director is Karen Summers; the president is Rita Mitchell; the Scholarship

Commission chair is Musette Castle; the lead conductor is Cheryl McGruder-Holloway; the director of bookings

and concert confirmations is Ruth Anderson and the founding executive director is Dr. Arlette Miller Smith.

AKOMA desires to continue her ministry of music, spoken word, and service to the community. A CD of her

music is under consideration by the sisterhood. Concert tapes are available for purchase upon request.

For AKOMA concert information or to request an engagement, please call 585- 234-6860; email akomagc@gmail.com; or

visit the website at www.akoma.org where calendar, pictures, and articles can be found.

(AKOMA Herstory Continued from page 2)

4

If you plan for a year, sow a seed;

If you plan for a decade, plant a tree;

If you plan for a century, educate the people. — Dr. Addie Mitchell

The Nona Patterson Chambers Scholarship was named in honor of our

AKOMA mother, Nona Patterson Chambers. Mother Nona’s life

exemplifies the meaning of the word AKOMA. She demonstrates

patience, endurance, consistency and faithfulness. At 99, Mother Nona is

our oldest and most beloved member. She has served as an example of

what it really means to be a dedicated and humble Christian mother.

Mother Nona received a third grade education but returned to school as an

adult to complete her education. Her quiet manner, Christian beliefs, and

steadfast loyalty to her family and choir make it fitting that this

scholarship be named in her honor.

Michelle Fletcher

Michelle is the daughter of Jerry

and Karen Fletcher. She attends

Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High

School. She is a member of the

Greater Adams Street Church of

God by Faith. She plans to at-

tend Lincoln University in

Penn. and major in mass com-

munications.

Courtney Green

Courtney is the daughter of

Thomas and Shirley Green. She

attends Nazareth Academy. She

is a member of Mt. Vernon

Missionary Baptist Church.

Courtney plans to attend Clark-

son University and major in

software engineering.

Angela Ketterer

Angela is the daughter of Fre-

derick and Pamela Ketterer.

She attends Nazareth Academy.

She is a member of the Full

Gospel Church of God in

Christ. She plans to attend the

University of Rochester and

major in biomedical engineer-

ing.

Tara McCracken

Tara is the daughter of Frank

and Geraldine McCracken. She

attends the International Fi-

nance Career High School at

Benjamin Franklin High

School. She is a member of the

Pentecostal Miracle Deliverance

Center Church. She plans to

attend Morgan State University

and major in accounting.

Eboni Robinson

Eboni is the daughter of Willie

and Cynthia Robinson. She at-

tends Wilson Magnet High

School. She is a member of the

East Henrietta Road Church of

Christ. She plans to attend

Howard University and major in

psychology.

Congratulations! All

of our 2008

Scholarship

recipients also are

“Black Scholars!”

9

Michael Albert

Wanda Allen

Shelia Betters

Mariah Brown

Robert & Mildred Burgess

Bishop John Crocker & Co-Pastor Theresa Crocker

(Faith Hope & Charity Worship Center)

Shirley Catalan

Mary Crumpler

Rich Della Costa

Mary Hall

Dr. Ruth Harris

Irene Ingram

Bishop Rufus McGee

Ruth Miller

Janice Phillips

Mr. & Mrs. Theron Pride

Michael & Tanya Primus

Perfect Pugs

Florence Pullie

Flora Reynolds

Barbara Roberts

Angel L. Sullivan

Carrie Thomas

Tracy & Sandra Williams

Sharon Barber

Beverly Barrett

Pauletta Becoats & Family

Rosetta Payne-Belmont

(In Loving Memory of Daughter)

Bradley & Clarissa Boatright

Mamie Burden

Rosemary Carey

Doris Carroll

Connor Castle-McClinton

Bonnie Colon

Melissa Davis

Kesha Devoe

Judy Flagg

Anita Flagg-Cole

Linda Joseph & Kelvin Fogle

Tina Forehand

Amelia Glenn

Cindy Graney

CT Hailey

Velma Hiler

Sue Hoffman

Monday Hugee

The Hucks Family

Josetta Jackson

Audrey Johnson

Bessie M. Johnson

Donnye Johnson & Family

Mary Johnson

Glynda Jones

Brenda Joseph & Frank Sanders

William Amos Kelly

Chaplain Joan A. Kessler

Kaila Knight

Kelvin Knight Jr. Esq.

Bro. John McCullough

Mary Janet McElrath

Diane Marshall

Nidia & Ariana Montalvo

Shelia Near

Rashid Wiggington-Payne

(In Loving Memory of Grandson)

Joan Anderson & Essie Potts

Mary Pritchard

Rudolph Rawlings

Margaret E. Reynolds

Waltrine Richardson

Richardson & Wilma Robinson

Josephine Spotford

(In Loving Memory of Brother Edward Seslers Jr.)

St. Luke/St. Simmons Church Choir

Anne Tutt-Denmark

JoAnne Uessley

Venda Rae Washby

Mary Alice Westland

Cindy Williams

Ethan Williams

Montgomery Center Seniors - Crocheting Divas

Valerie Barnes

Pastor Nathan & Verline McGill

Virginia Schmitz

In Loving Memory of James Stewart

In Loving Memory of Clara O. Walker & Willie D. Sullivan

Mary Thomas

Maybelle Thomas

Gloria Thomas

(Continued from page 8)

Luke 1: 28

8

Everett & Cassandra Archie - $50

Ruth Anderson - $100.00

William H. Castle - $50.00

Betty Franklin - $100.00

First Church of God - $100.00

Betty Garner - $50.00

Dr. Andra D. Goldsby - $50.00

Jerry Holley - $50.00

J.D. Jackson - $50.00

Ernest L. Lawson, Lawson Travel - $50.00

Magelene Moore-Holley - $50.00

Marti Hall Floral Boutique - $50.00

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church - $50.00

Network of EDS Minority Employees at Xerox

(African American Focus Group) - $50

New Bethel CME Church - $100.00

Georgia A. Prescott - $50.00

Letha Ridley - $100.00

Second Baptist Church - $100.00

Tyese & Stephen H. Shaw - $50.00

St. John Fisher College Multicultural/Diversity - $50

Art & Dr. Arlette Miller Smith - $50

Rose Stokes - $50.00

The Jefferson Avenue Seventh Day

Adventist Church Sanctuary Choir - $50.00

Donald & Judy Toyer - $50.00

Robert E. Turner - $50.00

George E. Whitfield - $50.00

(Pennington Moye VFW Post #9251)

Thelma Uter - $50.00

Dr. Benjamin & Mrs. Sandra Wallace - $100.00

Daniel & Nancy Walters - $100.00

Eunice E. White - $50.00

Ronald & Dr. Darlene White - $50

Olive E. Williams - $100.00

Booker T. William (Pa.) - $50.00

Robert & Arlene Williams - $50.00

Clyde & Gloria Wilson - $100.00

Agnes M. Wright - $50.00

Luvert & Linda Walker

Robin Franklin

Moka Lantum

Latisha, Courtney, Anthony Lucas

Virdell Robbins

Lucy Sprouts

Evelyn Greenwade-Boltwood

E. Thomas Boltwood

Leona Booth

Alton & Joan C. Burns (Ga.)

Dr. Kathyn Castle

William Castle Jr.

Lorraine Clement

Niki Conelius

Juliette Rhodes Cummings

Gwen Dance

Hershel Patterson & Mary McFadden

Henderson & Marcelle Davis

Tanya Davis

Myrtle Day

Grace Episcopal Church

Johnetta Green

Donald & Wilhelmina Glover

Rev. L. Hargrave & Brenda Lee

Theresa R. Jackson

Gail Livingston & Family

Joan Miller

Harriett Nuciola

Dianne Ostrander

Allen & JoAnn Scott

Bill & Ruth Scott

(Scott Association Consultant)

Clarence & Alzola Sheppard

Corinthia Sims

Lashunda Echols-Smith

Mr. Ronald A. Stroud Sr.

Chicky Tisa

Willie & Carrie Thomas

Vernell Wade Sr.

James & Carol Walker

Ronald & Roxana Weber

Nina Whitlow-Johnson

Stella Wiley

Stella & Clayton Wiley

Frank Wilkins

Retha Williams

Prudence Wilson

Leandrew T. Wingo

Roy C. Young

Diane Allen

John & Atlene P. Britt (Fl.)

Rev. Marilyn Cunningham

Judith J. Dunbar

Cheryl Johnson

Florence Jones

Kim Jones

Kelvin Knight

Glenda Lewis

Thomasene Moorehead

Blanche Redden

Johnathan Stokes

Carolyn A. White

(Continued on page 9)

Luke 1: 28

5

Ashley Brass Angelica Davis

Tiffany Ellis

Krystal Crawford

Desiree Israel

Leslie Pierre-Philippe

Kierstyn Blair

Kari McCree

Lauryn Minter

Kekeria Achola Bitek Porcia Nicole Hartzog

Tiffany Nicole Jackson Tyra Victoria Kelly

Starr Celeste Myers

Nathalie Martin Pierre-Philippe

Angela Yvonne Stockdale

Yolanda Renee Uter

Peta-Gae Andrade Shemeka Davis

LaTia Dukes Takara Gray

Aja Houston Brandi Howard

Shakira Nelson Natasha Nichole Stevens

Delora Nicole Turner Kirkshinta Turnipseed

Uwem Udofa

Tyanisha Brown Margaret Neal Enis

Lindsey Green Deidre Hill

Brandy Rosier Sherell Scott

Leah Thompson Re’shawna Turner

Naomi Woffard

Johnique Ter’esa Billups

Erica Michelle Bryant

Kimberly Alecia Thurman

Sonia Elizabeth Uter

La-Toya Dukes

Katrina Louise Jones

Tamisha N. Smith

Melody Terese Williams

Tameka Avant Danielle Gaston

Yuressa Hubbard Rashida Moore

April N. Anderson Donnye Graham

Shalewa Hardaway

Musette Castle - Chairperson

Ruth Anderson Marguerite Lucas

Rita Mitchell Rose Stokes

Louise Walker-McBride Nancy Walters

Porsha Coaxm

Katrina Griffith

Alyshia Thomas

Brittney Hills

Danielle Richardson

Sherrita Wilkins

Michelle Fletcher Courtney Green

Angela Ketterer Tara McCracken

Eboni Robinson

6

Blessed & Highly Favored AKOMA’s

Luke 1: 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured,

the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

Introit/Processional - Your Name Be Praised Soloist: Kristy Jackson

Opening Prayer Phyllis Griffin

Welcome Dr. Arlette Miller Smith

Selections - O Clap Your Hands - Plenty Good Room Soloist: Karen Summers

- Your Testimony Starts with a Test Soloist: Regina Fowler

- I Came to Worship You Soloist: Maggie Moore Holley

Scholarship Presentations Musette Castle , Scholarship Chair

Selections - No Defeat - Love Medley Soloists: Serita Lewis & K'Neadee Jackson

Selections - I Have Decided to Follow Jesus Soloist: Gloria Wilson

- Changed Soloist: Marcelle Davis

Remarks & Recognition Rita Mitchell, President Selections - Signature Song: All Day Long Active & Inactive AKOMA Sisters

- Hold On Soloist: Georgia Prescott

- Blessed and Highly Favored Soloist: Cheryl McGruder-Holloway

Invitation/Benediction Rev. Larry Quinn, Assoc. Minister

Special Thanks to Rev. Dr. Harmon Stockdale, Sr. and the Mt. Vernon Family.

7

In MEMORIAM

We thank you for your dedication, love, and Commitment to the sisterhood

and AKOMA’s ministry through sacred songs, the spoken word and service

Zula Bostic, Martha Davis-Wilcox, Edna Rice, Brenda Robinson, Sharon Williams

You are gone from our presence, but the treasured memories of you will always remain strong.

So many times we have rejoiced together with you, lifting our voices to God in song.

You epitomized AKOMA and everything for which we stood,

Patience, endurance, consistency, faithfulness…the traits you lovingly shared with the sisterhood.

God has called you to Him, and now in His heavenly choir you sing

With your beautiful voices, praising our magnificent Savior and King.

And so to Brenda, Martha, Edna, Zula, and Sharon...you’ve left us a legacy we will carry on with pride. We will always

honor you, our precious and beloved Sisters on the Other Side.

Written by Kathy Damann, May 2008

September 23, 1933 — December 29, 2000

Second Baptist Church-Mumford

December 16, 1951 — August 17, 2006

Second Baptist Church-Mumford

November 27, 1941 — January 13, 2007

Miracle Outreach Church of God

March 10, 1941 — April 16, 2007

Jefferson Avenue SDA Church

The sisters of AKOMA also ac-

knowledge the passing of affiliate

member

who was unable to continue in our

ministry because of health-related

reasons.

September 23, 1926 — September 26, 2007

Trinity Emmanuel Presbyterian Church