Celebrating Black History Month 2023

In creating the African American ecumenical hymnal, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism it was imperative to the core committee that the hymnal serve as a needed resource for the many denominations in the African American Church. It was the committee’s strong desire that this hymnal would represent and preserve the rich theological, cultural, and musical heritages of these traditions and offer a full breadth of music representing historical as well as vibrant contemporary worship, while looking toward the future.

Eight years of inspired work by a committee of more than 30 musicians and pastors, all leaders in African American worship and gospel music, have resulted in this compendium representing the common repertoire of African American churches across the United States. For the first time in an African American hymnal, traditional hymns and songs were notated to reflect performance practices found in the oral tradition of the Black church in America.

An extensive collection of the works of African American composers and arrangers including all styles of music emanating from Black churches: spirituals, traditional gospel, modern gospel, and all degrees of classical style composition. The series is edited by James Abbington.

This series features music by today’s leading African American composers and honors the highly esteemed tradition of music at Morehouse College. The series is edited by Dr. Uzee Brown, Jr.

This series features music for liturgy from composers who serve in the African American Catholic Church. This series is edited by M. Roger Holland II.

Kim R. Harris with M. Roger Holland II

Welcome Table is based on the familiar melodies of beloved spirituals from African American history. Each spiritual was carefully selected and paired to each Mass part in order to fully portray their depth of meaning and purpose. Some of the familiar titles included are “My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord,” “Ride On, King Jesus,” “Give Me Jesus,” and “Old Time Religion.”

Based on the Negro Spiritual “He Never Said a Mumblin’ Word” (10214)
Words by Langston Hughes
Music by Margaret Bonds
Ed. Frederick Binkholder

The literary motif for the cantatas of Margaret Bonds and Langston Hughes pulled into sharp focus individuals of African descent who were integral components of the gospel story: King Balthazar and Simon of Cyrene.

Nathaniel Dett, Ed. Jason Max Ferdinand

An extended original choral work, categorized as an oratorio, written by R. Nathaniel Dett in 1919, with thematic variations on the Negro Spiritual.

Norah Duncan IV

While retaining the essence of these spirituals, Norah’s arrangements in this collection put them into the category of art songs for the gifted singer.

Thomas W. Jefferson

Master pianist Thomas W. Jefferson brings us these two volumes of spirituals for solo piano.

In this four-volume series, noted composer M. Roger Holland has taken antiphons from the 2010 Roman Missal and paired them with psalm verses, creating compositions that have wide use in the liturgy. Roger explores the wide breadth that is African American music; you’ll find lyric ballades, spiritual-inspired offerings, gospel-style songs, and pieces with a more uptempo feel. 

This important series features organ music of Black composers, past and present, from the late 19th century to the present day. Edited by James Abbington.

Ed. James Abbington

These volumes are filled with chapters, essays, articles, and previously unpublished papers written during the twentieth century (Volume 1) and the twenty-first century (Volume 2) on music and worship in the African American church. The contents represent some of the greatest writings on the subject, from the wisdom of W. E. B. DuBois in 1903 to the scholarly development, practices, scholarship, and reflection on African American sacred music through 2014. 

Arr. M. Roger Holland II

Often referred to as the “Black National Anthem” this hymn melody by John Rosamond Johnson (brother of the text’s author, NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson) is given an energetic and creative treatment by M. Roger Holland II. 

James Abbington

A unique and informative compilation of Abbington’s writings that will prove vital to pastors, musicians, students, and worshipers in the African American music tradition—and beyond.