From February 16-18, the Howard Performing Arts Center (HPAC) was filled with speakers and singers using their voices to enunciate the power of music for the 20th anniversary of the Music & Worship Conference, hosted by the International Center for Worship & Music. The event featured notable speakers such as Dr. Lester Ruth, Dr. Clifford Jones, Dr. David Trim, and Dr. Gennifer Brooks, who all discussed music, spirituality, and the synergy between the two. The event then wrapped up with a program titled “Blackventist Praise: Protest, Praise & Progress,” which focused on the rich history of Black Adventists.
The moment I walked through HPAC’s doors on the night of Blackventist praise, I was transfixed by three musicians playing on stage. As they performed, their genuine smiles and passionate playing immediately set the atmosphere as one that was vivacious and authentic. As the night progressed, this atmosphere never dulled, but was enriched by a multitude of passionate singers, actors, rappers, musicians, narrators, songwriters, and dancers. All of these talented individuals used their gifts in order to praise Christ, showcase Black Adventist history, and imbued the audience with a desire for peace. This desire and struggle for peace was a central theme of the event, with “Blessed are the Peacemakers” being its motto. By contrasting the pain of injustice and the joy of freedom in Christ, the event emphasized the importance of seeking out peace.
Looking back on the event, a seemingly unimportant image comes to mind; it's the image of the middle-aged man and his daughter who quietly slid into the seats next to me towards the beginning of the show. The young girl plopped herself down on her father’s lap, and throughout the show she seemed to be talking to him about everything from dinner to the music that was being played—the dad patiently listening all the while. This seemingly unspectacular scene, really made me step back and look at how beautifully simple at its core life is. We as a church, and as fellow human beings, should be intentional about perpetuating the simple peace and love showcased by this father wherever we go and with whomever we interact with.
As I sat in HPAC the night of Blackventist Praise, I’m sure many of the people around me might’ve been struggling with the same schoolwork, self doubt, or family tension that many college students seem to be all too familiar with. Inside HPAC, however, the music seemed too empowering for life’s complications to remain relevant. After listening to all the beautiful music; after seeing a multitude of talented singers, storytellers, and dancers; and after witnessing that dad sit his little daughter on his lap and enjoy the show, it made me realize that some concepts in life don’t have to be complicated—one of those concepts being God's command to simply “turn from evil… and seek peace” (1 Peter 3:11).
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.