AKOMA’S 2003 Church Roll

Bethel Christian Fellowship Pastor: Rev. Ron A. Domina Georgia Ann Prescott Arlette Miller Smith Breath of Life SDA Pastor: Roger Wade Deseree Bliss Evelyn Boltwood Roxanne Richardson Faith Covenant National Church of God Pastor: Bishop Lewis Brown, Jr. Nona Patterson Chambers Esther Pinkston First Church of God Pastor: Rev. Dr. Dwight Fowler Myrtle Day Friendship Baptist Pastor: Rev. John Crocker Rosa L. Taylor-Payne Grace Episcopal Pastor: Rev. Louise Johnson-Toth Nina Whitlow Johnson Graves Institutional C.M.E. Pastor: Rev. James Jones Nancy Walters Eunice White Gloria Wilson Immaculate Conception Pastor: Father Michael Upson Musette Castle Joanne Gordon Ramona Moore Rose Stokes Mary Wingo Jefferson Ave. SDA Pastor: Rev. Marcel Wip Dorothy Wilson Koinonia Christian Assembly Martha Davis-Wilcox Memorial AME Zion

Pastor: Rev. Errol Hunt June Johnson Ruth Scott Mt. Vernon Baptist Pastor: Dr. Harmon E. Stockdale Cheryl Holloway Karen Summers New Bethel CME Pastor: Rev. Raymond Graves Julia Lawson Anita Simpson New Life Fellowship Pastor: Rev. Reginald & Dr. Cynthia McGill Phyllis Griffin Second Baptist - Mumford Pastor: Rev. Dr. Charles A. Thurman Marguerite Lucas Hattie Welch Arlene Williams Simple Truth Ministries Pastor: Pastor Shelby Garfield Maggie Moore-Holley Spreading The Good News Ministries Pastors: Ivor & Henrietta Rollock Myla Wright St. Luke/St. Simon's Cyrene Pastor: Father Richard Comegys Ruth Anderson Tabernacle of Joyful Praise SDA Pastor: Demetrius Jones Marilyn Johnson Kathleen Wright Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Pastor: Rev. Dr. Richard Douglass Dolores Trimiew

Eighth Annual Concert

&

Scholarship Recognition

Psalms 138:1

Saturday June 14, 2003

6:30 PM

Mt. Vernon Baptist Church 351 Joseph Avenue

Rochester, New York

The African American Women’s Gospel Choir

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AKOMA is Rochester's African American Women's Gospel Choir whose Akan name

means patience, endurance, consistency and faithfulness. AKOMA's Adinkra symbol is the heart which indicates compassion, tenderness and charity.

After a debut performance in August of 1995 for Womenfest – a day-long celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Women’s Right to vote-the group of thirty-five women decided to embrace a musical ministry that encompassed both their collective faith and their love for gospel music. Under the direction of Janet Rugless-Poles, executive music director; Cheryl Holloway, conductor/soloist; and Arlette Miller-Smith, founder/executive director, the group adopted the name AKOMA

because it symbolizes their African heritage while highlighting their strong spiritual roots, along with their desire to serve the Rochester community. In fact, more than 17 Rochester area churches are represented on AKOMA’s current roster of members. On June 22,1996, in its first year, AKOMA

made its debut concert and established the Nona Patterson Chambers Scholarship in honor of their elder member and adopted choir mother.

In its second year, AKOMA was blessed to sing as the backup vocal group for Grammy

award winner Larnelle Harris in his benefit concert for Rochester Junior Academy. AKOMA was

also featured on Channel 13’s “Many Voices, Many Visions” television show. In the third year AKOMA’s shining moment came when the group had an opportunity to

provide music for the program featuring Seattle poet laureate Mona Lake Jones at St. John Fisher College. Dr. Jones wrote a poem, “A Room Full of Sisters”, which AKOMA has used as its

introductory anthem since the group’s inception. The 150th celebration of the first women’s rights convention filled AKOMA’s fourth year.

AKOMA presented a specially commissioned docudrama titled, “Stirring the Waters, Tending the

Pots – An African-American Women’s Suffrage Song,” at GEVA Theatre. Highlights of AKOMA’s fifth year included providing music for an awards program

honoring Bishop Desmond Tutu, singing with the Penfield Symphony in their Holiday Concert and participating in SUNY-Plattsburg’s Gospel Concert.

At the end of the sixth year, AKOMA’s beloved executive music director, Janet Rugless-Poles, relocated to Huntsville, Alabama. While she is sorely missed, the group has been blessed to continue under the capable direction of Karen Summers.

The highlights of the seventh year include AKOMA's participation in Colgate Rochester Crozer's Helen Barrett Montgomery conference featuring Bishop Violet Fisher and, in the spring, two services for the annual Mordecai Wyatt Johnson conference.

AKOMA desires to continue its ministry of music and service. Please call AKOMA’s

voice mail at 234-6960, if you wish to have our group as a part of your program.

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Eddie Jackson Clara Julian

Victoria Kelly Donald & Evelyn Lawrence

Debbie Lee Shirley & Frank Lucas

Edna Majors Betty McClenney

Kevin Meyers Dr. Karen Stacy Garner Moore

Mary K. Nelson Walter & Ruby Nelson

Jeff Nichols Peggy J. Parker Marion Phillips

William E. Phillips Raymond Potter

Pauline Price Helen Procopio

Linda Pryor Randy's Dollyup Service

Clara Sizer Norma Thom

Willie Wallace Jamaal & Mindy Walters James & Alice Walters Mrs. Priscilla Walters

Shirley Webb Roy Whitlow

Lynne Wiegand Bernard & Claretha Williams

Tracy & Sandra Williams Prudence Wilson Lee T. Wingo Jr.

PATRONS $5.00

Rosa Alston Rhonda Austin

Julian Bell Kevin Bentley Alice Bivins Zula Bostic

Melva Brown Carmen Carley Ethel Carpenter Susie Carpenter Annette Cathey

Maryann Cianciotto Estella Coley

Emma Cox-Lovelace Matt Cummings Ozzie Lee Davis The Brass Family Steven Farabella

Shirley Fox Okeyo Franis Eric Fundin

Chris Golding Joanne Gordon Sarah Gordon

Lila M. Graham Donnye Graham Alice M. Gray

Marty Hall Ken Hill

Monday Hugee Eloise Hymes-Young Ms. Ophelia Jackson

Naomi James C. Star Jones

Brenda Joseph Linda Joseph

Martin Kaufman Ann Kinsella

Dick & Shirley Korhumel Janice Langdon Hubert Lewis Linda Lewis

Jeffrey K. Luske Vivianne McCloud

Brian C. McPherson Sok Mek

Maranda Miller Tamara Minter

David & Louise Myers Maryanne Napotiano

Dick Phillips Harry Pierre-Philippe Rev. Madeline Porter

Flora Reynolds Gussie Roundtree

Rebecca Royer Joanne Sanfilippo Johnnie Seartles Creaola Shelton

Tanya Stack Diane Steve

Hattie Taylor Florine Terry

Carrie Thomas Cora Thomas

Golden Thomas Carolyn Thomas Carmen Torres Steven Toyer

LaTia Tubbins Ms. Freddie Price

Ms. Patricia-Walters-Diggs Willard Walters

Al White Carolyn A. White

Ilona White Wanda Whitlow Ethan Williams

(Continued from page 6)

Thanks to all who supported the AKOMA States Rally Musical. We received many pledges this year towards the Mother Nona Patterson Chambers Scholarship Fund. Each of the AKOMA sisters was given a state to represent as she solicited pledges. On Sunday May 18th, AKOMA held its States Rally Musical program. A special prize - a gold heart necklace - was donated by jewelry designer Faruk Kaiyum of Kaiyum Gallery. The heart was awarded to the AKOMA sister with the most pledges - Joanne Gordon. The program included songs by AKOMA, special guests, William Scott, Phillip Saulsbury, Robin Nowel and the Immaculate Conception Liturgical Dancers.

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*** BENEFACTORS - Special Donation *** Faruk Kaiyum

BENEFACTORS - $120.00

Holley's Construction

BENEFACTORS - $100.00 Breath Of Life - Seventh Day Adventist Church

First Church Of God Immaculate Conception Church

Rose Stokes

BENEFACTORS - $50.00 Netfa Fodiaba & Paul Evans Mr. & Mrs. David Anderson

Rev. & Mrs. John Burr Barbara Chamber Ekpo

Dean Darryl Trimiew/CRCDS Eunice White

Booker T. Williams All God's Children Collector's Club

Bata Con Pies Dance & Drum Ensemble Friends of Myrtle - Audrey, Peggy, Minnie, James, Marilyn & Ken

SPONSORS $25.00

Mitchell & Natalie Alepoudakis Nerlande Anselme

Ersa W. Austin Linda Beach

Gayon R. Bernard Leona Booth

James Bowman Vicki D. Brower Inez Butler Diggs Michael Chambers

Joan Clarke Mr. & Mrs. John Cottom

Dion L. Doucet Leslie Edwards

Glenn & Carolyn Edwards Katherine Ewart

Irene Fink & Family Rose Frazier

Betty J. Garner Cathy Haake

Edna & Ashley Harrington Jeremiah Johnson

Jeanette Kittles & Family Laurie & Don Lucas

Patricia Marino Elizabeth B. Marlowe

Karl & Helen Marshalleck Preston L. McCloud

Joseph Munno Janice Phillips Barbara Rotolo Irene Salamone William Scott

Elizabeth Scott & Family Djed Snead

Lucy & Mary Sprouts Jonathan Stokes

Mr. & Mrs. B. Strong Robert Turner

Anne Tutt-Denmark Thelma T. Uter

Harriett & Gladys Vasciannie J. Ronald & Roxana Weber

Gaynelle Wethers Frank Wilkins

Robert & Arlene Williams Clyde & Gloria Wilson

Toyia Wilson Roy Young

Grace Episcopal Church Myra Cuff - State Farm Agency

Mirus Video Production Inc.

SPONSORS $20.00 Denise McGowan

Angelina & Alfred Bitek Mr. Lavern Dickerson

Beatrice Thompson Pam Hammond Rowena Frazier

Yvonne Lewis McDonald AlgethaYoung Denise McCray

William Thurston Willard & Isabell Walters

PARTONS $15.00

Reva Culpepper Felecia Drysdale Myrtle Fontenette JoAnne Lessley

Michael Caputo & Susan Lundy Freida McCray

Michael N. Nwokelo C.P. M Deana Walton

Nina Whitlow Johnson Hattie F. Wright Deidre D. Hill

PATRONS $10.00

Andrea Alexander Toni Brooks

Mike & Sonya Bruce Lindsay Butler

Alan & Benda Caine Phannara Chan

Mrs. Lucille Chess Alicia Claussell

Lisa Colbert Mr. Billy R. Day

Ello Dennis Faye Ellis

Donald Toyer & Family Leila Gibbons

Mary Jane Hines (Continued on page 7)

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If you plan for a year, sow a seed; If you plan for a decade, plant a tree;

If you plan for a century, educate the people. — Dr. Addie Mitchell

Nona Patterson Chambers 2003 Scholarship Awards

The Nona Chambers Scholarship was named in honor of our AKOMA mother, Nona Patterson Chambers. Mother Nona is our eldest and most beloved member. She has served as an example of what it really means to be a dedicated and humble Christian mother. Mother Nona is a faithful member whose quiet manner and beautiful smile make it very fitting that this scholarship be named in her honor. Scholarship Commission Musette Castle - Chairperson Ruth Anderson Marguerite Lucas Ruth Scott Rose Stokes Louise Walker-McBride Nancy Walters

1999 Scholarship Recipients Johnique Ter’esa Billups

Erica Michelle Bryant Kimberly Alecia Thurman

Sonia Elizabeth Uter

1997 Scholarship Recipients Tameka Avant

Danielle Gaston Yuressa Hubbard Rashida Moore

1998 Scholarship Recipients La-Toya Dukes

Katrina Louise Jones Tamisha N. Smith

Melody Terese Williams

1996 Scholarship Recipients April N. Anderson Donnye Graham

Shalewa Hardaway

2000 Scholarship Recipients Tyanisha Brown Margaret Neal Enis Lindsey Green Deidre Hill Brandy Rosier Sherell Scott Leah Thompson Re’shawna Turner

Naomi Woffard

2002 Scholarship Recipients Kekeria Achola Bitek Porcia Nicole Hartzog Tiffany Nicole Jackson

Tyra Victoria Kelly Starr Celeste Myers

Nathalie Martin Pierre-Philippe Angela Yvonne Stockdale

Yolanda Renee Uter

2001 Scholarship Recipients Peta-Gae Andrade Shemeka Davis LaTia Dukes Takara Gray Aja Houston Brandi Howard Shakira Nelson Natasha Nichole Stevens Delora Nicole Turner Kirkshinta Turnipseed

Uwem Udofa

2003 Scholarship Recipients Kierstyn Blair Kari McCree

Lauryn Minter

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AKOMA’s Eighth Annual Scholarship Concert

“With My Whole Heart” I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. — Psalms 138:1

Saturday, June 14, 2003 - 6:30 pm Mt. Vernon Baptist Church

Rochester, NY

Introit - I Am Yours Soloist: Karen Summers Opening Prayer Rev. Dr. Darryl Trimiew Processional - Be Glorified Welcome Dolores Trimiew Selection - With My Whole Heart Selection - Blessings, Glory and Honor

Scholarship Tribute Scholarship Presentations Scholarship Committee Dedication to Graduates Secret Place Soloist: Cheryl Holloway Sacred Dance Presentation Anthem

Offering

Selections - Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, I Love to Praise You Transparent I Got My Joy Back Soloist: Cheryl Holloway Benediction

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Officers Executive Director/Founder - Arlette Miller Smith Executive Music Director - Karen Summers President - Dolores Trimiew Vice President - Ruth Scott Secretary - Anita Simpson Treasurer - Julia Lawson Chaplain - Phyllis Griffin Parliamentarian - Georgia Prescott Historian - Eunice White Musicians Organ - Karen Summers Drummer - Thomas Green Conductors Cheryl Holloway Dorothy Wilson

Technical Support Esther Pinkston Julia Lawson Anita Simpson Dorothy Wilson Photograpy/Video Benjamin Pinkston Ushers Former AKOMA Members Offering Men of AKOMA

AKOMA’s Program Participants

Thomas Green Mr. Green is the Director of Information Systems for the city of Rochester and the director of the youth choir and male chorus at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. He is also one of the directors of the young adult choir. He is the keyboard accompanist for the senior choir and the children's choir. He is a graduate of SUNY Brockport and is presently working on a Masters Degree. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha and is married to Shirley Green (principal of school #30). He has two children, Courtney and Thomas Jr. The following three young ladies are members of the dance group - Anthem. The group was formed in January of 2003 by Mon-day and was given the name Anthem by AKOMA's own Magdelene Moore-Holley. Monday Hugee Monday is a native of Salisbury, Maryland. She was raised in Rochester, New York by her mother Magdelene Moore-Holley. Currently Monday Hugee is dancing full time and will transfer in the fall to SUNY Brockport. Kamaria Simmons A recent graduate of Monroe Community College, Kamaria will begin classes in the fall at Nazareth College. She is a graduate of School of the Arts. Christine Dukes Christine is a student at Monroe Community College. She plans to attend the State University at Buffalo. She graduated from School of the Arts in 2000.