The 25 voices of the Philander Smith University Choir opened their performance at Centenary United Methodist Church on Sunday, Sept. 27, with a rousing rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
The concert, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Memphis/West Memphis-Crittenden County Chapter of the Philander Smith University National Alumni Association, brought together generations of alumni and a student choir poised to carry on one of its oldest traditions — travel performances.
For Theresa Franklin, a 1954 graduate of Philander Smith, hearing the choir reminded her of the institution she attended more than seven decades ago.
“I am proud of my institution where I spent 4 1/2 years,” Franklin said. “We have had a choir since I was there and they have always been this good.”
Franklin was among the 25 charter members of the Memphis//West Memphis-Crittenden County alumni chapter recognized for their role in establishing the chapter 50 years ago. Alumnus Jesse B. Lee presented certificates to each member present, and all charter members were acknowledged in the printed program.
The choir’s performance reflected the rigorous preparation required for an engagement scheduled so early in the school year. The concert unfolded in two parts, moving between traditional Negro spirituals and works by contemporary composers. Two of the afternoon’s selections, “The Righteous Cry Out” and “The Word Was God,” were composed by Dr. Rosephanye Powell, an internationally acclaimed composer and conductor and former music instructor at Philander Smith.
“Barely a month into the semester, you are not going to find choirs ready this early — that know 10 songs,” said Vernon Harris, an alumnus and director of university choirs. “But when Mrs. Franklin called us, we got busy. I know they are tired but they sound good. These young people have worked hard to get ready for today.”
As they look forward to more out-of-town engagements, Harris acknowledged that traveling for the choir has required endurance and coping with modest accommodations. He said things are changing for the better with continuing financial support for the choir.
Theresa Franklin was among members recognized during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Memphis/West Memphis-Crittenden County Chapter of the Philander Smith University National Alumni Association. Alumnus Jesse B. Lee presented Franklin with a certificate. (Gary Whitlow/Tri-State Defender) 
Gertrude Cooper was among members recognized during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Memphis/West Memphis-Crittenden County Chapter of the Philander Smith University National Alumni Association. Alumnus Jesse B. Lee presented Cooper with a certificate. (Gary Whitlow/Tri-State Defender) 
Mary Peterson was among members recognized during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Memphis/West Memphis-Crittenden County Chapter of the Philander Smith University National Alumni Association. Alumnus Jesse B. Lee presented Peterson with a certificate. (Gary Whitlow/Tri-State Defender) 
Less Doll Twillie was among members recognized during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Memphis/West Memphis-Crittenden County Chapter of the Philander Smith University National Alumni Association. Alumnus Jesse B. Lee presented Twillie with a certificate. (Gary Whitlow/Tri-State Defender) 
Erma P. Williams was among members recognized during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Memphis/West Memphis-Crittenden County Chapter of the Philander Smith University National Alumni Association. Alumnus Jesse B. Lee presented Williams with a certificate. (Gary Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)
“When we travel today, we stay in hotels, but there was a time when we had to stay in people’s homes,” Harris told the audience. “And the generations before us had it even harder, so we are grateful for the alumni association and what they do for us.”
Before Sunday’s event, choir members toured downtown Memphis aboard a Main Street trolley. It was the second trip to Memphis for Amaya Allison, choir president and a senior philosophy and religion major from Beaumont, Texas.
“I love being in Memphis,” Allison said. “I love the culture here. I love the people here. The people are so nice and so welcoming. We’ve had a great time.”
Harris, whose hometown is Earle, Arkansas, also has ties to Memphis. Before his appointment at Philander Smith, he served as minister of music at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and views Memphis as a city rich in vocal talent.
“Memphis is like the mecca of choral music,” Harris said. “I do a lot of recruiting from the high schools here in Memphis.”
Founded in 1877, Philander Smith University is a private, historically Black institution in Little Rock, Arkansas, with roots in the Methodist Church. The institution began as an effort to provide education to formerly enslaved people following the Civil War and today is the only United Negro College Fund member institution in Arkansas. In August 2023, Philander Smith College officially became Philander Smith University, reflecting its expansion into graduate education.
Its alumni include Dr. Joycelyn Elders, who became the first Black U.S. surgeon general, Deon Cole, an actor, comedian and producer, and the Rev. James H. Cone, the influential theologian widely regarded as the founder of Black liberation theology.
Among university officials in attendance were former Philander Smith President Cynthia Bond Hopson, April Clark, vice president of institutional advancement and Keisha Richard-Patterson, director of alumni relations.
As the concert wrapped up, Harris’ closing remarks offered a preview of what’s in store for the school’s anniversary celebration in 2027.
“The choir is going to be your biggest bedazzle for the 150th year,” Harris told the audience, speaking especially to alumni. “I’ve got something up my sleeve that I can’t tell you today, but we are about to let the world know who we really are.”
Franklin said the alumni chapter she helped charter remains dedicated to ensuring the university and its choir have the necessary resources.
“It was important that we render our support to our alma mater back 50 years ago and it is just as important that we continue to ensure the school has what it needs,” she said. “We want students receiving the best education possible now and for generations to come.”
