The term “Negro Spiritual” chosen as part of our name usually modifes the word ‘song’. When taken together the three words ‘Negro spiritual song’ identify a particular body of work deriving from the slave era. (‘Negro spiritual’ is the shorthand version.) African slaves brought with them tunes and rhythms that they matched with new words to create songs telling about their plight. This historic group of uniquely American songs is now recognized universally as a distinct genre of music literature. We have adopted the Negro spiritual as the focus and centerpiece of our agency’s mission.

The BRIGHT HOUSE “Let It Shine” Challenge now underway asks patrons and friends of the Foundation to sign and fulfill pledges of support that equal or surpass a fundraising target ($50,000 for 2012) announced during our World-Premiere Gala.

If you are in or near Jacksonville, FL on Friday 25th May 2012 we welcome you to join us at Arlington Congregational Church for the first of this season’s touring programs, where we will showcase our 2012 GRADY-RAYAM PRIZE winners. Hosted annually by the diverse and affirming community of Arlington members, this evening is always rich in song, friendship and celebration. For details follow the READ MORE link below, and pass the information on to others. There is no admission and no RSVP is needed to attend. We will be on the lookout for you.

The nonprofit “Negro Spiritual” Scholarship Foundation is preserving a heritage within America’s musical legacy – the Negro spiritual song – and supporting a future for deserving young people as they transition from high school to college. Along the way our GRADY-RAYAM PRIZE vocal programs develop and showcase talent that is suited to classical singing.

Tall, willowy and small-waisted Caneisha Foster won the 2005 (Florida) GRADY-RAYAM PRIZE Female Vocalist award in convincing fashion. We are told that on the ride home from competition in 2004 – after failing to impress – she had vowed through tears of disappointment that she would return a winner; which she did. Throughout her reign as an ambassador for the “Negro Spiritual” Scholarship Foundation, Caneisha turned in one superb vocal performance after another, beginning a scant three weeks after final competition with her appearance at our World-Premiere Gala, where she was the very picture of elegance. The consummation of a well-prepared artist, the young Miss Foster never complained or made excuses. She sang through more than one onset of illness, learned new music on a moment’s notice, and charmed every patron with her gracious and well-bred mannerisms. On this live recording, you get to hear a languid, mournful rendition of Roland Carter’s Steal Away To Jesus delivered in concert at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church seven years ago. We long to hear this voice once more in its adulthood.