Gospel music unites CSULB, local community in song

Cal State Long Beach's first Gospel Music Weekconcluded on March 1 with a community performance at Bethany Church, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni and local singers in front of an engaged audience of 300. Led by gospel artist Ananias "Markey" Montague and supported by CSULB choral director Jonathan Talberg, the Community Gospel Choir Concert featured a mix of traditional and contemporary gospel.

The weeklong event was designed to foster connection and cultural appreciation, welcoming singers of all backgrounds without auditions. More than 140 participants, including members of the Bob Cole Chamber Choir, rehearsed in the final days of Black History Month.

Alongside CSULB's Super Sundayoutreach, the initiative aimed to strengthen community ties while celebrating gospel music's history. Spearheaded by Daria-Yvonne Jackson Graham, associate vice president of student success and engagement,the concert was a collaboration between Student Affairsand Academic Affairs.Graham hopes it's the first of many.

"Ananias Montague brought an unforgettable energy to the inaugural Gospel Music Week at CSULB," she said. "His teaching and direction united voices from all backgrounds - creating a powerful and moving concert."

His teaching and direction united voices from all backgrounds - creating a powerful and moving concert.