Gospel Fest will feature talent including a mass choir, praise and dance teams, a drum ministry and solo performances.
Churches from many different dominations, including Methodist, Baptist, African Methodist Episcopal, Latter-Day Saints and Catholic, are participating, event coordinator Pat Tanner said.
“We encourage everyone to join us on this joyous occasion to celebrate Black History Month,” Tanner said.
This year’s celebration is in partnership with the Cherokee County Arts Council and is sponsored by Utility Partners LLC.
The Rev. Fred Forsh will coordinate music and the choir.
Sen. Brandon Beach will bring greetings at the event, as will Canton City Council Members John Beresford and Bob Rush.
“Each year, we try to get a different political leader,” Tanner said.
Tanner began the Gospel Fest event three years ago while on the Canton City Council.
“It’s something that I wanted to see continue locally. We’ve had great support in the past from the community and the various churches, so I’m really looking forward to it this year,” she said.
Music and singing are a rich tradition for African-Americans, Tanner said.
“Music played a very important role in the days of slavery. That’s basically how slaves communicated — they would sing songs,” she said.
The free event will be held at the Cherokee Arts Center in downtown Canton. Admission is free.
“It’s open to anyone who wants to come to be blessed and entertained by a diverse group of acts,” Tanner said.
Anyone wishing to participate in Gospel Fest should contact Forsh at (770) 926-4792 or Tanner at (770) 479-8676.
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