News and Information
Emory University
Atlanta, GA 30322

Release date: March 19 1999
Contact: Elaine Justice, Assistant Director

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK TO GIVE CONCERT AT EMORY

The renowned black women's a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey In The Rock will perform on Monday, March 22 at 8 p.m. in Glenn Memorial Auditorium. The Philadelphia Inquirer says their music gives voice "to the African American experience with an expansive interpretation of the close-harmony gospel, R&B, jazz, blues, folk and rap as well as African and Caribbean stylings." Members Bernice Johnson Reagon, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil, Ysaye Barnwell, Carol Maillard and Shirley Childress Johnson accompany each other on rhythm instruments and use traditional harmonies to sing about racism, economic struggle and sexual oppression.

Sweet Honey, which consists of five singers and a sign-language interpreter, celebrated its 25th anniversary last year with the publication of a picture book titled "No Mirrors in My Nana's House," featuring lyrics of the song of the same name written by group member Barnwell and full-color paintings by Synthia Saint James.

The concert is being held in conjunction with the Emory conference titled, "Leadership, Values and Ethics: Educating Global Citizens for a New Millennium," the third annual Sam Nunn NationsBank Policy Forum March 21-23.Tickets are $10 general admission; $5 students with i.d. Call 404-727-5050.