Local Church Brings Community Together During National Black Music Month
By Justin Udo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- June is national black music month and on Sunday evening community members in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia held a concert observing its 37th year.
A few dozen people packed onto the lawn of The Mt. Airy United Fellowship church to hear different local musicians perform.
The church's Reverend Joe Williams said he's happy to see so many people from the neighborhood out enjoying the music.
"I feel if the world is ever going to come together, music can bring everyone together," he said. "Black and white, rich and poor, fat and skinny.
The concert featured music from local band, The Clef Club's Junior Orchestra made up of teenagers
Reverend Williams says he knows first hand that getting kids interested in music is instrumental in their development.
"We're trying to encourage them to stick with the music," Rev. Williams said. "And everything will be alright in life for them."
Black music month celebrates Rock 'n' roll, Negro spirituals, Hip-hop Jazz, blues, R&B, Funk and gospel and was conceived in Philadelphia by producer Kenny Gamble.
