History of BAC

Founded in 1970, by Faye Smith, the award-winning Black Awakening Choir is the second oldest, still active organization on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University and the current oldest non-Greek organization on campus.

Serving in ministry for over 54 years, the Award-winning Black Awakening Choir has traveled all over the United States ministering to congregations far and wide.

Under the current direction of Frankie James, Black Awakening seeks to actively live out their choir motto of “Ministry First, In Earnest and In Excellence” and believes that their motto is not just a phrase to be read or seen, but a lifestyle of ministry lived by the choir.

About BAC

CHOIR MOTTO:

"Ministry First, In Earnest and In Excellence"

CHOIR SCRIPTURE:

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless."

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

Matthew 5: 13-16 (NLT)

The purpose of the Black Awakening Choir at VCU is to provide a spiritual outlet for students through song and fellowship. This outlet encompasses all denominations and all people from all walks of life, providing an avenue for those who enjoy singing gospel music and lifting up the name of Jesus.