AKOMA’S 2004 Church Roll

Bethel Christian Fellowship Pastor: Rev. Ron A. Domina Georgia Ann Prescott Breath of Life SDA Pastor: Roger Wade Deseree Bliss Evelyn Boltwood Carolyn Butts Roxanne Richardson Church of Love Faith Center Pastor: Bishop Gregory L. Parris Arlette Miller Smith Faith Covenant National Church of God Pastor: Bishop Lewis Brown, Jr. Nona Patterson Chambers Esther Pinkston Faith, Hope & Charity Worship Center Pastor: Elders John and Theresa Crocker Rosa L. Taylor-Payne First Church of God Pastor: Rev. Dr. Dwight Fowler Myrtle Day Grace Episcopal Pastor: The Rev. Louise Johnson-Toth Nina Whitlow Johnson Graves Institutional C.M.E. Pastor: Rev. Robert Byrd Nancy Walters Eunice White Gloria Wilson Immaculate Conception Pastor: Father Michael Upson Musette Castle Joanne Gordon Ramona Moore Rose Stokes Mary Wingo Jefferson Ave. SDA Pastor: Marcel Wip Dorothy Wilson

Living Word Full Gospel Pastor: Rev. Nathan McGill W. Louise Walker-McBride Memorial AME Zion Pastor: Rev. Errol Hunt June Johnson Ruth Scott Mt. Vernon Baptist Pastor: Dr. Harmon E. Stockdale Cheryl Holloway Karen Summers New Bethel CME Pastor: Rev. Raymond Graves Martha Davis-Wilcox Julia Lawson Anita Simpson New Life Fellowship Pastor: Rev. Reginald & Dr. Cynthia McGill Phyllis Griffin Second Baptist - Mumford Pastor: Rev. Dr. Charles A. Thurman Marguerite Lucas Shelley Lucas-Rice Brenda Robinson Arlene Williams Simple Truth Ministries Pastor: Pastor Rev. Terry Holley Maggie Moore-Holley Spreading The Good News Ministries Pastors: Ivor & Henrietta Rollock Myla Wright St. Luke/St. Simon's Cyrene Pastor: Father Richard Comegys Ruth Anderson Tabernacle of Joyful Praise SDA Pastor: Marcel Wip Marilyn Johnson Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Pastor: Rev. Dr. Richard Douglass Dolores Trimiew

Ninth Annual Concert

&

Scholarship Recognition

Psalms 150

Saturday June 12, 2004

6:30 PM

Mt. Vernon Baptist Church 351 Joseph Avenue

Rochester, New York

The African American Women’s Gospel Choir

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AKOMA is Rochester's African American Women's Gospel Choir whose 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 Womenfest – 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 because it symbolizes their African heritage while highlighting their strong spiritual roots, along with their desire to serve the Rochester community. In fact, more than 17 Rochester area churches are represented on AKOMA’s current roster of members. On June 22,1996, in its first year, AKOMA made its debut concert and established the Nona Patterson Chambers Scholarship in honor of their elder member and adopted choir mother.

In its second year, AKOMA was blessed to sing as the backup vocal group for Grammy award winner Larnelle Harris in his benefit concert for Rochester Junior Academy. AKOMA was also featured on Channel 13’s “Many Voices, Many Visions” television show.

In the third year AKOMA’s shining moment came when the group had an opportunity to provide music for the program featuring Seattle poet laureate Mona Lake Jones at St. John Fisher College. Dr. Jones wrote a poem, “A Room Full of Sisters”, which AKOMA has used as its introductory anthem since the group’s inception.

The 150th celebration of the first women’s rights convention filled AKOMA’s fourth year. AKOMA presented a specially commissioned docudrama titled, “Stirring the Waters, Tending the Pots – An African-American Women’s Suffrage Song,” at GEVA Theatre.

Highlights of AKOMA’s fifth year included providing music for an awards program honoring Bishop Desmond Tutu, singing with the Penfield Symphony in their Holiday Concert and participating in SUNY-Plattsburg’s Gospel Concert.

At the end of the sixth year, AKOMA’s beloved executive music director, Janet Rugless-Poles, relocated to Huntsville, Alabama. While she is sorely missed, the group has been blessed to continue under the capable direction of Karen Summers.

The highlights of the seventh year include AKOMA's participation in Colgate Rochester Crozer's Helen Barrett Montgomery conference featuring Bishop Violet Fisher and, in the spring, two services for the annual Mordecai Wyatt Johnson conference.

AKOMA’s eighth year was blessed with a major production at the Strong Museum titled, “Gospel Then and Now” in which the group chronicled in song the evolution of Gospel Music as a means of strength through the struggle for freedom.

AKOMA desires to continue its ministry of music and service. Please call AKOMA’s voice mail at 234-6960, if you wish to have our group as a part of your program.

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Josetta A. Jackson Cynthia Jones

George & Dorothy Jones Isabella Jones Brenda Joseph Linda Joseph Ann Kinsella

Mr. & Mrs. Milton Lewis Gloria Matos

Sandra Morrison Jancie Phillips

Rev. Madeline Porter Essie Potts

Johnnie Mae Powell "The Webb" Printing

Dr. Darlene Riggins-White Mr. & Mrs. C. Rivers

Charles Scott Clara Sizer

Kenneth Smith Elijah Snipes

Barbara Stevens Carolyn Thomas

Clarence Thompson Norma Thom

Rose Marie Urzetta Clementine Walker

Priscilla Walters Willard Walters

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Weber Stella Wiley

Ethan Williams Jessecena Williams

Alice Young Mr. & Mrs. T. Fugate & Family

Usher Board of First Church Of God

PATRONS $5.00 Janet Ali

Rhonda Austin Roseline Jean Baptiste

Karen Bakley Earl Barnes

Frances Barnes Julian Bell

Jacqueline Bryant Rev. Charles Buchanan

W. Carbonell Carole Castle

Mr. & Mrs. T. Collins Minister Emma Cox-Lovelace

Evanger C. Cunningham Stephanie Curry

Eddie Belle Davis Anne Tutt-Denmark

Estella Dixon

Myrtle Fontenette Mr. & Mrs. George Fontenette

Gwendolyn Glenn Sarah Gordon

Alice Gray Kathleen Gustyn Denise Hampton

Adrianne Hepburn Nina Jackson

Theresa Jackson Penny Jones

C. Starese Jones Sharon Leigh

Gail Lewis Allie Leonard Sandra Martin

Angela Maurezio Eldridge McClinton

Mr. & Mrs. Preston McCloud F. McCray

Geraldine McFadden Elizabeth McGill Migdalia Meadez

Anthony C. Murphy Mr. & Mrs. David Myers

Gloria Norman Walter Powell Mary Pritchard

Christine Richardson Mother Mattie Robinson

Mr. & Mrs. Stan Rose William Royal

I. Scream Karen Shealey-Hill

Patricia Shehee Patricia Simms

Bertha Simpkins Kisha Stobbs

Golden Thomas Cora Thomas

Carmen Torres Gladys Vasciannie

Luvert Walker Shirley Webb

Jacqui Wensich Angi Wicks

Bruce Wilder Mr. & Mrs. Clyde Wilson Jr.

Marcia Petross Wilson Shirley Winbush

Mr. & Mrs. Terrence Wright The Pierre-Philippe Family

The Scott Family Tiffany, Star & Donovan McDonald

(Continued from page 6)

Thanks to all who supported the AKOMA States Rally Musical. We received many pledges this year towards the Mother Nona Patterson Chambers Scholarship Fund. Each of the AKOMA sisters was given a state to represent as she solicited pledges. On Sunday May 2nd, AKOMA held its States Rally Musical program.

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BENEFACTORS - $50.00 & Up Mr. & Mrs. David Anderson $50.00

Leona Booth $50.00 Antionette Burr $50.00

William H. Castle $50.00 Immaculate Conception Church $100.00

Faith Covenant Church $110.00 First Church Of God $100.00

Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Holloway $100.00 Mayor William A. Johnson Jr. $50.00

Fredrick Ketterer $50.00 Joyce McKay $50.00

Second Baptist Church Mumford $100.00 Mr. Harvey & Mrs. Marcia Nelson $50.00

Mr. & Mrs. Larry Pough $50.00 Anita Simpson $50.00

Rose Stokes $50.00 Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Walters Jr. $60.00 First Church Of God "WCG" $50.00

Booker T. Williams $50.00 Shirley Carroll Catalan - In Loving Memory of:

John Llody Catalan-Esq. & Mr. & Mrs. Whit T. Carroll $50.00

BENEFACTORS - $40.00 Marty Hall - Floral Boutique

Graves Inst. CME Church - Pastor Robert Byrd Prudence Wilson

SPONSORS $35.00 Mr. & Mrs. Alton Burns Barbara Chambers-Ekpo

Donnye, Jadyn, Latia, Marche't & Pauletta

SPONSORS $25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Bannister

Mr. & Mrs. Willie Boykins Joe Boy'z

Chris Brass Clara S. Bray

Mr. & Mrs. John Britt Jackie Campbell

Marie Cianca Sherrod Cox

Michael J. Davis & Donna M. Davis Netfa Fodiaba

Vivian Gambill Betty J. Garner

Mr. & Mrs. D. Huddleston Frances Jackson

Nina Whitlow-Johnson Isabella Jones

Jeanette Kiittles Travis W. Lewis

Helen M. Marshalleck John C. & Connie Mitchell

Mary K. Nelson Payne & Payne William Phillips Norman Prescott

Mr. & Mrs. William Scott Robert Snead Lucy Sprouts

William Thurston Toyia Wilson

Mr. & Mrs. James Walker Tracy & Sandra Williams Robert & Arlene Williams Mr. & Mrs. Clyde Wilson

Frances Wright Joy Young

Faith Hope And Charity Worship Center (Pastor, John & Theresa Crocker)

Millard E. Latimer & Son - Funeral Directors, Inc. (82 Years of Excellence)

Robert Turner (In Loving Memory of Mrs. Delores Johnson)

SPONSORS $20.00 Francine Colbourne

Billy Day Mr. Donald & Mrs. Wilhelmina Glover

Mary Johnson Gail Mitchell

Jonathan P. Stokes

PARTONS $15.00 Reva Culpepper Katherine Ewart

Clyde Forbes Doris Gerst

Naomi Jones Latisha, Courtney & Anthony Lucas

Mr. & Mrs. T. Nguti Robin Nowell

Mr. & Mrs. William Thomas

PATRONS $10.00 Queenie Allison

Mr. & Mrs. R. Anderson Vail Automotive Henry Benjamin

Siseline G. Bernard Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Bostick

Chris Brass Mr. Larry & Mrs. Melva Brown

Elder Lewis Brown Jacqueline Bryant

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Burgess Brenda Caine Minnie Cox Tanya Day

Leslie C. Edwards Kevin Fogle

Sharon Freeland Joanne Gordon

Edna & Ashley Harrington Irene Ingram

(Continued on page 7)

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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

Nona Patterson Chambers 2004 Scholarship Awards

The Nona Chambers Scholarship was named in honor of our AKOMA mother, Nona Patterson Chambers. Mother Nona is our eldest 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 is a faithful member whose quiet manner and beautiful smile make it very fitting that this scholarship be named in her honor. Scholarship Commission Musette Castle - Chairperson Ruth Anderson Marguerite Lucas Ruth Scott Rose Stokes W. Louise Walker-McBride Nancy Walters

1999 Scholarship Recipients Johnique Ter’esa Billups

Erica Michelle Bryant Kimberly Alecia Thurman

Sonia Elizabeth Uter

1997 Scholarship Recipients Tameka Avant

Danielle Gaston Yuressa Hubbard Rashida Moore

1998 Scholarship Recipients La-Toya Dukes

Katrina Louise Jones Tamisha N. Smith

Melody Terese Williams

1996 Scholarship Recipients April N. Anderson Donnye Graham

Shalewa Hardaway

2000 Scholarship Recipients Tyanisha Brown Margaret Neal Enis Lindsey Green Deidre Hill Brandy Rosier Sherell Scott Leah Thompson Re’shawna Turner

Naomi Woffard

2002 Scholarship Recipients 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

2001 Scholarship Recipients 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

2004 Scholarship Recipients Krystal Crawford

Desiree Israel Leslie Pierre-Philippe

2003 Scholarship Recipients Kierstyn Blair Kari McCree

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AKOMA’s Ninth Annual Scholarship Concert

“Let Everything That Hath Breath Praise The Lord” Psalms 150

Saturday, June 12, 2004 - 6:30 pm Mt. Vernon Baptist Church

Rochester, NY

Introit/Processional - Praise Soloist: Karen Summers Opening Prayer Rev. Dr. Harmon Stockdale Welcome Arlette Miller Smith Founder and Executive Director Mistress of Ceremonies Selections - Psalm 150 - I Still Have Joy Soloist: Maggie Moore-Holley - Let There Be Peace On Earth Soloist: Georgia Prescott

Scholarship Tribute Scholarship Presentations Scholarship Committee Dedication to Graduates He Won’t Let You Down Soloist: Rose Stokes

Offering

Selections - Why Did He Do It? Soloist: Cheryl Holloway - Hush Somebody’s Calling My Name - A Delay is Not a Deny Soloist: Maggie Moore-Holley Remarks Arlette Miller Smith Benediction Rev. Dr. Harmon Stockdale

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Officers Executive Director/Founder - Arlette Miller Smith Executive Music Director - Karen Summers President - Dolores Trimiew Vice President - Ruth Scott Secretary - Anita Simpson Treasurer - Julia Lawson Chaplain - Phyllis Griffin Parliamentarian - Georgia Prescott Historian - Eunice White Musicians Organ - Karen Summers Drummer - Thomas Green Conductors Cheryl Holloway Dorothy Wilson Esther Pinkston

Technical Support Esther Pinkston Julia Lawson Anita Simpson Dorothy Wilson Photograpy/Video Benjamin Pinkston Ushers Former AKOMA Members Offering Men of AKOMA

AKOMA’s Program Participants

Thomas Green Mr. Green is the Director of Information Systems for the city of Rochester and the director of the youth choir and male chorus at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. He is also one of the directors of the young adult choir. He is the keyboard accompanist for the senior choir and the children's choir. He is a graduate of SUNY Brockport. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha and is married to Shirley Green (principal of school #30). He has two children, Courtney and Thomas Jr.