One of the most significant aspects of the African American culture is the church. Growing up in Dumas, Arkansas, much of my identity is directly associated with gospel music. At an early age I know that the relationship I have with Africa was expressed every Sunday through music my father and mother performed.
“Pass Me Not Oh Gentle Africa” is an expression of that significant aspect of my life in Arkansas. Knowing that every song sung connected me closer to whom I am and where I come from. Wonderful rhythms, velvet tones and earthy textures filled my soul with the sense of knowing that I… we… black people are beautiful.
