Juneteenth

Performers

Juneteenth

Performers

Narrator
Singers
Spud Howard
Treva Jones
Chad Stevenson
Christian Spears
The Voices of Juneteenth Choir
Tyrone Belle
The Juneteenth Band
Juneteenth Band
Dance Groups

Werner Richmond

Werner L. Richmond’s is an actor whose theatre credits include, Into The Woods-TUTS, A Christmas Carol-Alley Theatre as well as Celeste Walker’s Camp Logan.  Mr. Richmond’s film work include season one and two of Disneys, The Secrets of Sulphur Springs, season one of Netflix Mo Amer Project, Last Holiday, Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins and a co-starring role in TNT’s, The Librarian 3 starring Noah Wylie and Bob Newhart.

As a singer Werner recently appeared on the Tom Joyner morning Cruise and has been in the Houston music scene for the last 20 years. 

Brian Courtney Wilson

Chicago-area native and Missouri City, TX resident, Brian Courtney Wilson is a multiple Stellar Award-winner, a GMA Dove Award-winner, ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award winner and has received nominations for several Grammy® Awards, an NAACP Image Award, and a Billboard Music Award.  

Since his debut album, Since arriving on the scene in 2009, Wilson has managed to released 3 eight solo albums and shares his talents as a member of Fred Hammond’s United Tenors. Throughout those these projects, Wilson’s singular tenor and community-minded ministry has won the humble artist a growing host of fans and critical acclaim.

Wilson’s first album, Just Love (2009) is filled with radio favorites such as Already Here, Awesome God, the self-titled Just Love and the song that still holds the record for number of weeks on the Gospel Singles Chart with 92, AAll I Need. Still (2020), Wilson’s fifth studio album was perfectly suited for release amidst some of the most uncertain and questionable modern times. Acknowledging anxiety, frustration, and fear, inevitably compounded by current events, yet doing so through a lens of hope, the album artfully navigates the spaces between fact and faith.

The soulful crooner has continued his rise performing on several national TV shows including The 47th Annual Dove Awards, BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel, BET Celebration of Gospel, The BMI Trailblazers Awards, The 31st Annual Stellar Awards and more.

Kathy Taylor

Kathy Taylor is an accomplished national recording artist, minister of music, songwriter, producer, and community activist. Her musical gifts have brought her before both national and world leaders. She has ministered before Queen Elizabeth, former President Bill Clinton, Senator Hillary Clinton, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Cicely Tyson, Maya Angelou, and many others. Kathy has received resounding critical acclaim for her outstanding, soul-stirring and inspirational performances.

She began her recording career as a soloist with the legendary James Cleveland’s Gospel Music of America and The Mass Choir. She was the featured vocalist on songs such as, Anticipation, It’s Your Decision, He Did It and I Got My Joy Back. These projects, along with her captivating and live performances have catapulted Kathy into the national spotlight.

In her never-ending quest to serve the Kingdom of God, Kathy answered her calling and founded Kathy Taylor and Favor, a multi-talented singing ensemble known for their meticulous and breath-taking harmonies. They have graced the stage with many of today’s most renowned gospel artists. To their acclaim, they have released three projects to date. The first two albums produced by Kathy were entitled, “He’s Worthy” and “What Would It Profit Me to Gain the Whole World and Lose My Soul?”, which were both well received. The third album, “Taylormade”, was released on Aleho International Records, under the leadership of gospel music executive, Al ‘The Bishop’ Hobbs, and produced by Grammy Award winning, legendary gospel music producer, Sanchez Harley. This powerful collaboration produced an incredible project that yielded a Stellar Award Nomination.

Gene Moore

Gene Moore is a husband, gospel artist, Grammy nominee, and radio announcer based in Houston, TX. He made his professional solo entry into the music industry  

in 2013 when he signed his first major record label deal with the inspirational division of the legendary Motown Gospel. During his process of cultivating his artistry at the label, he started singing background for multi-Grammy award winning gospel artist, Kirk Franklin for over 5 years. Shortly after, he went on tour with Grammy winner, India. Arie as a background vocalist and was also featured on her Christmas album.

After years of finding his sound, Gene released his album entitled Tunnel Vision in 2019, which earned him his first Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Album at the 2020 Grammy Awards. The album debuted at #2 on Soundscan Charts and landed in the top 5 on Gospel Billboard Charts.The album’s first single, Won’t Be Moved, garnered over 1 million streams and views within its first three months and became the most successful first week music video of his career. As a result of its success, Gene was afforded an opportunity to go on tour as an opening act for fellow Houston artist and Grammy nominee, Brian Courtney Wilson on a 15-city national tour. 

In addition to singing, Gene is also a radio announcer for 90.9 KTSU FM. Thisplatform has allowed him to connect with local, regional, and national artists, creating a space for them to get their music played.

NaKitta Clegg Foxx

Nakitta Foxx is a gospel singer and is regarded as one of Houston’s musical gems and watching her performance at George Floyd’s funeral, it’s not hard to see why. . 

Born in Arkansas as Nakitta LeAnn Clegg, Foxx has been singing for as long as she could speak, reportedly singing her name to her parents when they asked her what her name was.

In 2001, she began her long-running affiliation with Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr Singers and in 2011, had an album release of her own, which you can find on Spotify, titled Let Us Worship.

Mary Griffin

Over her 30-year professional career singer-songwriter, Mary Griffin has achieved numerous accomplishments including, a Grammy nomination, multiple platinum records, movie sound tracks, and more.

With a powerfully unique voice and a definitive sound, Mary Griffin consistently delivers soul stirring performances that captivate audiences around the world. Using her past as a spring board, Mary channels memories into melodies that are proud and strong. Her rich melodic sound and exciting performance style are rooted in the story of a pastor’s daughter with a passion for singing good music. 

With Curb Records, Mary began singing for movie soundtracks and was even featured in the movie Studio 54 where she portrayed the artist Amii Stewart and sang Knock on Wood for the soundtrack. She was privileged to have one of her songs selected by Celine Dion. I Surrender was an instant success with Celine, and further drove Mary’s writing and singing out front with her recording of the song on her album Purified, released in 2002. For 13 years she performed and toured globally with Patti LaBelle, and simultaneously over 7 years, with George Clinton and his Parliament Funkadelic band. Ms. Griffin finished her last engagement with Patti LaBelle in October of 2015, which cleared her slate to form her own recording label and re-launch her solo career.

Mary has a number of recording projects in the works to follow those she previously released: her first Gospel album titled For Such A Time as This on September 11, 2016 a Christmas album in December, 2017, and Rebuild, an R&B/Soul Album released August 29th, 2018. On April 2nd, 2022, Mary took home a Platinum Career Award at Grammy Week Houston!  Diverse and powerful in five distinct genres: R&B/Soul, Gospel, Disco, Jazz, Pop/Techno/Dance, Ms. Griffin is a force to be reckoned with, as she books out 2022 and into 2023.

Endurance

Endurance

Endurance is a six-time Stellar Award nominated traditional gospel quartet whose original members include Claude Cummings, Michael Robertson, and Earl Sampson. Their newest member Wallace Grant II joined the group after the untimely passing of Dave Botts. Endurance also utilizes the vocal talents of Ramon James Ross and Justin Patrick, as reserve singers. Each original member is actively involved in their respective churches and all are either deacons or preachers.

“Changed” featuring the late, Joe Ligon was released in late January, 2017, and broke the Top 100 on the Nielsen BDS Gospel Radio Airplay Charts entering at #97. It is the last known feature and recording by the legendary Grammy-Award winning singer Joe Ligon.

Past recognitions involve: 12 Grammy entry ballots for the single, “Thank You Lord For Mama”, 2011 GMWA Rhythm of Gospel Awards, 2006 recipients of the AGQC’s (American Gospel Quartet Convention) New National Award, and have been the winner of the Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards – Best Male Group and Best Quartet numerous times.

Vincent Powell

Born in Austin, Texas, Vincent Powell is a graduate of Texas Southern University, with a Bachelor of Music (Jazz & Musical Theatre). His unique blend of Gospel and Jazz with a contemporary flavor helps him to perform to the world without crossing over.   In 2013, Vincent was a Top 10 Male Finalist for Season 12 of American Idol on Fox. His live national performance of “Cause I Love You” by Lenny Williams garnered national attention from the likes of Lenny Williams, Rolling Stone Magazine, Billboard Magazine, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, Randy Jackson, Keith Urban, and many more.   

Vincent has sang background for Whitney Houston (Arista), Kim Burrell (Sony), Regina Belle,  Letoya Luckett (Capital), Micah Stampley (EMI) and many more. He has been on various stages and programs with such artists as Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Janet Jackson, Fantasia, Sheryl Crow, Kelly Rowland, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary and many more.

George Powell

George Powell is a gifted singer, composer, pianist and worship leader who has lived in Houston, Texas for almost 10 years. He performed for President Barack Obama at the Austin, Texas rally that attracted 20,000 supporters and proudly remembers the “shout-out” the first African American President gave him during his opening comments, thanking George Powell for his performance. 

George shares a 2015 Stellar Award nomination (the highest Gospel Music award) for his song “Great is The Lord” on the CD compilation “Earnest Pugh Presents Gospel’s Rising Stars”. He has released several recording projects including one live recording in 2010, a Christmas studio recording in 2015 and a Christmas EP in 2019. 

In June 2020, Powell released a George Floyd arrangement of the song “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. The song has gone viral on Facebook with over 2 million views and 75,000 shares on all social media platforms and has garnered wide online reception. His music is available on all digital music outlets. 

Liz Vaughn

Liz Vaughn is an African American singer, songwriter, and, intuitive vocal arranger with a remarkable vocal ability that is consistently cited amongst a short list of elite musical performers in her hometown of Houston, Texas.  

Immediately recognized for a unique style that effortlessly blends Neo-soul, gospel and, R&B genres affectionately known as the, “Liz Vaughn Experience”.  

She was the 2022 winner of the first Grammy Week Houston “Epitome of Soul” Awardand the 2020 winner of the BMA (Black Music Association) Best Female Vocalist in Houston award.  

With a list of professional credits that rivals industry greats, Liz’s career accomplishments include performances on the national and international stage.  She created an instant reputation as a premier and much sought-after background vocalist, after performing with Regina Belle for over 8 years. This would lead to performances such as the Montreux Jazz Festival with Leela James and the National NAACP Convention with R&B greats such as Eddie Levert, Angie Stone, Ledisi, Chrisette Michele, Ruben Studdard, and Eric Benet.  Liz was also a featured vocalist on Israel Houghton’s Grammy winning song, “Just Wanna Say”.  Liz has also worked with music icon Beyonce’ as well as Bilal and, Stokely Williams of Mint Condition. Years ago, Ms. Vaughn caught the acting bug and landed a role in Cory King’ gospel musical, “Sunday” where she co-starred alongside Stellar Award-winning gospel artist Dwayne Woods. And then in 2021 she did her first feature film titled “Changes.”

She was the 2022 winner of the first Grammy Week Houston “Epitome of Soul” Awardand the 2020 winner of the BMA (Black Music Association) Best Female Vocalist in Houston award.  

Undeniably charismatic and passionate, one will find that Liz Vaughn’s artistry engages storytelling, melodies and provocative rhythms that keep listeners seeking more. 

J. Xavier

Houston native, J. Xavier has become the young prince of hip hop and is poised to be the next superstar, having racked up a list of accomplishments that take most people an entire lifetime to accumulate. J Xavier has performed live more than 400 times, he has developed his own TV show “YGTV” (Young Generation TV) which was featured on Music Choice and Houston’s 55. He completed his debut album, Young Prince of tha South, which was released December 2006 with Mathew Knowles’ Music World Music / Universal. The album featured guest appearances by hometown heroes Mike Jones, Lil KeKe, Hawk and recorded a tribute to Houston Rockets star Yao Ming, in which he collaborated with funk icon George Clinton. He scored a track on the recent Pink Panther Wal-Mart sampler, and in 2004, at the age of 12, J Xavier won PAX-TV’s America’s Most Talented Kids Show contest.  

 

Kirk Richmond

Kirk Richmond is a Houston based r&bR&B and neo soul artist who self-describes himself and a, “singer songwriter who specializes in feeding souls with good relatable music.” Kirk released his fourteen song debut album in the summer of 2020, and will bekirk will be releasing his second effort album in the summer of 2022. He has also been featured in numerous events around the city such as, Houston’s Motown and & More Revue, and recently made his national debut on American Idol taking his talents to the Top 40! 

Chad Brawley

Minister Chad Brawley is a highly-experienced worship and arts professional whose musical background began as a young piano student of the prestigious Mayron Cole Music Conservatory and with All About Music Studios, founded by the legendary Shirley Joiner (also founder of the Southeast Inspirational Choir). 

While Brawley’s training and experience in music has refined him as a diverse, affluent, respected professional, he is also a ministry-focused Christian man with the mind of a leader and the heart of a worshipper.  Currently, he serves as Director of Worship Arts at The Luke Church ofHumble, TX.

Continuing to build his artistry as a songwriter, musician and singer, Brawley has now created an album that will serve as the weekly soundtrack for personal and corporate worship. His debut album “The We Worship Project” is a collection of worship and praise anthems intended to renew participatory congregational worship through quality music crafted with theologically sound lyrics that exalt Christ and edify the Body. 

The first single from “The We Worship Project” is Brawley’s pure and passionate worship anthem “Greater” featuring vocalist Daniel Johnson.  Standout tracks “Grace”, a vibrant praise song, and “Take Up Your Cross”, a spirited contemporary gospel song, are both perfect for choirs and worship teams seeking to engage and ignite corporate worship and minister to the audience of one – God. The album also includes “The Hymn Medley”, a spirit led flowing tribute to good ole’ traditional Sunday morning church with classic favorites “Draw Me Nearer”, “There’s Something About That Name” and “I Know It Was The Blood”.  To add even more power to this album, Brawley enlists gospel veteran Sheri Jones-Moffett on the expressive churchy track “I Shall Live”, which encourages the listener not to give up, but to trust God in all things.

KoumanKe’le’ African
Dance & Drum Ensemble

Texas based cultural dance company, KoumanKe’le’ African Dance & Drum Ensemble, is a dynamic and energetic performance troupe that presents traditional West, South, and Central African Dance and culture and its transitions in this country. Comprised of continental Africans and African Americans, KoumanKe’le’ African Dance & Drum Ensemble’s repertoire includes traditional and contemporary dances of Guinea, Mali, Ghana, South Africa, Senegal and the Congo. 

Stacy J Harrell and
The Juneteenth Dancers

Stacy J. Harrell, affectionately known as “Stacy J” is a nationally recognized, award-winning visionary, social innovator, motivational presenter, educator, artistic choreographer and movement engineer. She is the founder of the Unified Praise Dance Company, the Houston Dance Tsunami and Visual Arts Productions where she infuses her passion for dance by using a purposeful approach that highlights social causes through educational theatrical dance programming. Stacy J.’s artistic fortitude and pioneering spirit have propelled her to help some of today’s leading artists and entertainers across multiple media platforms including Tyler Perry’s stage play “I Can Do Bad All By Myself”, JeCaryous Johnson’s stage play “Men, Money & Gold Diggers and more. Her past awards include the 2019 The Faithful Awards, 2018 Silent Hero Award The Gilpin Group, 2017 Community Leadership Award McDonald’s & The Redmond Group,  2015 Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Houston, Texas to name a few.  Her ability to articulate a compelling and captivating story has inspired and empowered others. Stacy J, is more than a dancer, she is also the CEO of ICON Management & Booking a turnkey management company specializing in detail to deliver quality results in performance and projects.

Dancers include: Renee Shepherd, Yolanda Carter, Courtney Allen, Devin Rodriguez, Jasmine Hamilton, Camisha Adams, Tannisha Harris, Morgan Brown, Shanesha Seals, Tranesha Seals, Tayla Watts, Mashyla Davis, Leila Sanders, Esther Ogionwo, Breyonne Hubbard, Kalani Jensen, Briante Jackson, Danielle Sutton, Tonya Foreman, Yaki Swanson, Aisha Jones, Oge Hamilton, Tami Hamilton, Andrea Monroe, Chasmin Bell, Candace Rogers, Bryce Dill, Mack Haynes, Tobaric Montana, Dorian Jones, Malik Cook, and Jerry Garcia.