Attending performances: The 99th Annual Spelman Morehouse Christmas Carol Concert(2 Points)-Jordan Benjamin

On Saturday, December 6th, 2025, I attended the 99th Annual Spelman Morehouse Christmas Carol Concert in Sisters Chapel. This event featured the performance of approximately thirty pieces of singing and music. These pieces ranged from well-known traditional songs like "Joy to the World" and "Silent Night" to newer songs like "This Christmas." The concert also included spirituals like "All 'Round De Glory Manger" and Yoruba/Nigerian songs like "Betelehemu," also known as "Olatunji-Whalum." I believe that songs like these highlighted Black culture and its place in music. It was also insightful to learn songs that I had never heard of before and hear them sung through a choir. Choirs are integral parts of the Black spiritual culture, serving as a place to express faith and gratitude in the church. 

I believe that this concert connects to my coursework in African Diaspora and the world currently. Through their highlighting of traditional Christmas songs, they connected me to the idea of Sankofa. Sankofa is the need to look backward and reclaim/acknowledge history before moving forward. While the concert did feature modern songs, the concept of acknowledging traditional songs and spirituals was also greatly appreciated. In all, I greatly enjoyed this concert and believe it not only entertained but gave a holistic experience of the Christmas experience through music.