A Los Angeles woman with ties to Birmingham returns with singers, dancers and other artists in a FREE gospel concert this Sunday to commemorate the city’s historic role in the civil rights movement 50 years ago.
Birmingham-native Besthines Davis CEO of BESTHINES, LLC, organized a series of gospel concerts in Los Angeles with artist who are now coming to the historic Carver Theatre to honor the movement of a people who waged a non-violent battle for change and freedom that benefitted all Americans.
“We, the people of Los Angeles and California, and the people of Birmingham and Alabama are coming together in unity to honor God and those whom He led to fight, and even, die for equality,” Davis said. “They paved the way for humanity that we may live and have life more abundantly. This great movement is being celebrated all year round in the State of Alabama, and I am delighted to be a part of the celebration.”
The first of a series of gospel concerts took place on September 29, 2012, in Los Angeles, CA. Devastated by the number of lives lost in the 2011-2012 tornado outbreaks she was inspired to unite Alabama, Oklahoma and Los Angeles together in worship, lifting praise unto a God who cannot fail. On August 11, 2013, in Los Angeles, CA. a gospel concert was held honoring the 50th Anniversary of the 1963 Birmingham Movement. Some of the LA performers will come to Birmingham for a similar concert.
The event is called, “From Calvary’s Cross to the Mountaintop — It Had to Happen,” takes place Sunday, Dec. 8, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the historic Carver Theatre.
LA performers include recording artists Jonathan Jenkins and Yvette Cooke-Dean, vocalist Patracia George-Singer, with the Bearing-Fruit Worshippers Alyssa Carter and Ronald Clayton, Jr. They will be joined by local artists including: vocalists Cristilyn Tolbert, Yvonne Fann, Gale Moore, Dominiqueca Dubose and Larry Thomas; drums Justin May, bass Percy Moore, pianists Billy D. Harvey, Jr., keyboard Bryan Hall, Andre May and Byron Lincoln Thomas, & Co.; spoken-word artist LaQuita Middleton-Holmes; Murray Temple Dance Ministry; and the Mt. Avery Missionary Baptist Church Mime Team and Praise Team.
Davis said awards will also be given during the concert. The Bearing Fruit Award honorees include Irene Spears, a Foot Soldier in the Birmingham Movement. Fifty years ago, she and other young activists provided boots on the ground and filled the jails. Their bravery in the face of jail, hoses and dogs created the dramatic tension that turned public sentiment against racial segregation and other forms of legal oppression based on skin color.
Other Bearing Fruit honorees include:
- Sarah Collins Rudolph, the fifth girl who survived the Sixteenth Street Church bombing 50 years ago;
- City Council President Maxine Parker, who died recently and was known for battling environmental injustice in her district;
- Mama Lois Coleman, founder of Grace House Ministries for girls in Fairfield;
- Attorney Antonio and Marquita Spurling, for their work in revitalizing Ensley;
- Overseer Awalski Moore of Mt. Zion Full Gospel Baptist Church for leading its community work;
- The Metro Birmingham Chapter of the NAACP for its events honoring the people and commemorating events of the 1963 Birmingham Movement; and
- Dan Cathy, CEO & Chairman of Chick-Fil-A for his philanthropy in urban communities.
