For 16 years, the Gospel Choir has contributed to the commemoration of Black History Month through song. Comprised of Midshipmen of various races, colors and creeds, the choir takes pride in its diversity.

Under the direction of choir director Ms. Karla Scott, the concert is dedicated to former choir director, Dr. Joyce Garrett. Garrett became director in 1989 and spent 17 years leading Midshipmen in song and praise. Her career includes nine Atlanta tours commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday celebration, 10 Naval Academy Diversity Outreach Tours, three Academy Gospel Choir compact discs, and countless community outreach and special Naval Academy concerts and events.

‘‘This year’s recognition of Dr. Garrett is the perfect opportunity to recognize a woman who groomed Midshipmen, while educating, teaching, and training them to appreciate gospel music,” said Ensign Gerald Triplett, a 2006 graduate and former Gospel Choir president. ‘‘She developed a platform on which Midshipmen can share their appreciation with others throughout the world.''

‘‘This is a concert to celebrate all those that went before us,” said Midn. 1⁄C Robin Roberson. ‘‘Gospel Choir helps us to remember those times when African Americans struggled ... and the only thing that helped get them through was their love of God, their faith, and the hope that gospel music provided. This event also celebrates Dr. Garrett for who she is and all that she has done for the choir. We want her to know how much we all appreciate her for making us better, both musically and spiritually.”

One of the evening’s highlights will include a performance by honored guest Reverend Nolan Williams Jr. and the Inspiration Ensemble. Williams is the minister of music at Metropolitan Baptist Church, Washington, D.C., (the home church of one of America’s premier gospel recording artists, Richard Smallwood) and music editor of the African American Heritage Hymnal. He has co-written with Smallwood and Regina Belle on Grammy-nominated projects and worked with artists such as Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, and Yolanda Adams.

The concert is open to the public. Admission is $15 for adults, $7.50 for Midshipmen and children under age 12. Children under 3 are free. Tickets can be purchased at the Gospel Choir’s official Website www.usna.edu⁄GospelChoir⁄, through the U.S. Naval Academy ticket office at 410-293-8497 or 410-293-8499, and at the door.