Bowie State University Honors Black History Month with an Uplifting Gospel Celebration

Voices of Maurette Brown Clark and John P. Kee Fill the Dionne Warwick Theater

MEDIA CONTACT: media@bowiestate.edu

(BOWIE, Md.) — Bowie State University ushered in Black History Month with an unforgettable evening of soul-stirring gospel music, headlined by the powerhouse performances of the BSU Gospel Choir, the University Concert Choir, and gospel legends John P. Kee and Maurette Brown Clark. Held in the resplendent Dionne Warwick Theater, the event radiated joy, reverence and a deep appreciation for the enduring legacy of African American musical traditions.  

The celebration, hosted by BSU alumnus Phillip Carter, united students, faculty and community members in a vibrant tapestry of praise and reflection. Under the masterful direction of Professor LaToya Wrenn, the Bowie State University Gospel Choir delivered electrifying harmonies while the University Concert Choir, guided by Professor Brandon Felder, lent its rich, resonant tones to the night’s repertoire. The stage came alive with the triumphant presence of gospel icons John P. Kee and Maurette Brown Clark, whose voices soared, filling the theater with moments of profound inspiration and spiritual renewal. Professor Brandon Felder, beaming with pride, praised the tireless dedication of the students from the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, as well as the overwhelming support from the surrounding community. “What a wonderful evening with students from the BSU theatre, dance, and Gospel and Concert choirs,” he said. “I’m so proud to see their work, dedication and growth. It was also very encouraging to see so many people from Bowie and the surrounding communities out to support us.” 

Maurette Brown Clark, her voice a beacon of grace, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to perform alongside Kee. “So glad that God has healed him and that he is still ministering and blessing the world!” she said. “Thank you, Bowie State University, for hosting such a great BLACK HISTORY concert!” 

John P. Kee, a gospel titan whose presence electrified the audience, described the night as nothing short of extraordinary. “Your staff, faculty members and students treated us with the utmost kindness and respect,” he said. “We really need to come back again soon. It was a great evening of praise and worship. Kudos to you, Professor Felder, for breaking new ground at BSU.” 

The event stood as a testament to the unifying power of gospel music, weaving together past and present in a jubilant celebration of Black history and culture. For those in attendance, it was an evening that lingered in the heart — a harmonious blend of talent, faith and community spirit that echoed far beyond the walls of the Dionne Warwick Theater. 

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.