BCCE, under the direction of Ashleigh Brown (center).
The Black Celestial Choral Ensemble (BCCE) of Syracuse University held their 40th Anniversary show at Hendrick’s Chapel on Saturday. The event, which was titled “Anything Can Happen Here,” featured the current ensemble as well as a mass choir made up of members from nearly every decade of the group’s existence. Several awards were given during the performance, including one to BCCE founder Dr. Rev. Seretta McKnight. Rev. McKnight was a guest chaplain at the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014.
One of the highlights also included the 2009-present alumni portion, which was directed by Byron Canada. We featured Canada on the blog previously (see link below).
Overall it was a very spirited experience.
According to Laurie Kingsberry, an alumni director, BCCE will host the Sunday Morning worship portion of Coming Back Together (CBT) in September. The special musical guest for that Sunday event will be Kurt Carr.
Dr. Rev. Seretta C. McKnight recognized former BCCE members during the program.
This evening the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble of Syracuse University will celebrate with their 39th Anniversary Concert. Current and alumni members, we wish you continued faith, favor and fulfillment.
Professor, Martial Arts Champion and Entrepreneur El-Java Abdul-Qadir gave the keynote address and discussed sacrifice, education and character as some of the keys to build leadership for the next generation.
Bomba y Plena Dance Troup from La Casita
Syracuse University Break Dance team
Spoken word artists, including Signature MiMi, from the Verbal Blend Poetry Program at Syracuse University, also participated.
Yesterday’s Dream, Tomorrow’s Promise
Dance Theater of Syracuse performs “Even Time Takes Time.”
“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1
BCCE with Kirk Franklin
The legendary gospel collective known as the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble, or BCCE, celebrates its 35th anniversary this weekend. The BCCE will perform a concert on Saturday in Hendricks Chapel that will include an alumni section as well as guest directors.
Here is a small collection of photographs that have appeared on the SIF site in the past seven years or so from their various annointed performances.
BCCE at the Cora Thomas Gospel Extravaganza
BCCE at Hendricks Chapel
We got a chance to speak with BCCE Director Byron Canada before the concert, and he talked about the history of the group and the significance of this particular anniversary.
Hon. Dave Bing, Mayor of Detroit, gives the keynote address at Syracuse University’s 27th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.
The theme for this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at Syracuse University was “A Living Legacy: The Fierce Urgency of Now.” The event featured performances by Dance Theater of Syracuse, BCCE, and a keynote address by the Hon. Dave Bing, the Mayor of Detroit, who graduated from SU 2 years before Dr. King’s assassination.
