On December 14, 2024, the world-renowned Aeolians of Oakwood University, under the direction of Professor Jeremy Jordan, visited the “Creatively Black Baltimore” art exhibit as part of their East Coast Christmas tour. The exhibit is the largest collection of African-American art in the region and provided a rich cultural experience that complemented the Aeolians’ recent release of their Christmas album, “Aeolians: An Old-Fashioned Christmas.”
Oakwood University, founded in 1896 in Huntsville, Alabama, is a Seventh-day Adventist Historically Black College and University. The Aeolians, a historic choir on campus for over 75 years, has earned the title “Choir of the World” and are recognized for their rich legacy, performing anthems, spirituals, and various other musical genres. Oakwood University is widely known for its remarkable musical heritage. Its alumni have impacted the world musically, including luminaries such as Little Richard;Take 6; Brian McKnight; Wintley Phipps; Clifton Davis; members of Naturally 7; and Angela Brown.
Unlike many HBCUs that celebrate homecoming with football traditions, Oakwood’s homecoming is observed around Easter, with concerts and worship services celebrating the risen Savior.
On Saturday, the Aeolians performed at the Takoma Park Seventh-day Adventist Church. The following day, after a standing-room-only concert at the People’s Community Baptist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland, the choir visited Creatively Black Baltimore art exhibit. They were warmly greeted by Paris Brown, publisher of The Baltimore Times, Maryland Senator Jill Carter, and Professor Tamara Payne of Tamara Payne Creations and artist-curator of an installation at the art exhibition. Among the various works, the students were particularly drawn to “Dear Black Girl,” a collection curated by Professor Payne. The Aeolians enjoyed catering provided by Oleum, a vegan restaurant and Soul Kuisine, both local Baltimore eateries located at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor Light Street Pavilion.
For many students, this was their first visit to Baltimore. Despite the cold, rainy weather outside, they found warmth, healing, inspiration, and peace within the exhibit’s walls. “Awe-inspiring and breathtaking all at the same time,” said Andrew from Columbia, Maryland. “It makes me want to go back and pay attention to every aspect of the art exhibit.”
“The food was great,” said Celine of Maryland. “It was amazing to see something different, inspiring, and uplifting. It really brings awareness to issues that need to be discussed. It painted vivid pictures of people who are often not heard or seen. Black women need to see a representation of themselves and the art they create, showing the amazing things they can accomplish.”
Choir member Anaeya Perry, from Fairfax County, Virginia, reflected on the exhibition: “I thought it was inspiring to see a variety of talents showcased through different mediums. It was empowering for Black women. My favorite part was the ‘Dear Black Girl’ book, where we got to write messages to young Black girls. It was wonderful to add our voices to something that could spark motivation and inspiration for whoever comes across it.”
Kennedy Green, from New Jersey, was equally moved: “The Creatively Black Baltimore art exhibit was amazing. As a musical artist, I was so inspired by the representation of ideas, cultures, experiences, thoughts, and expressions. “Dear Black Girl” was life-changing—being able to write positive messages for others you may never meet was profound.”
The Aeolians’ visit to Creatively Black Baltimore’s art exhibit was more than a tour stop; it was a meaningful cultural exchange that nourished their artistic souls and reaffirmed the power of creativity, community, and representation.