12-06-2025
Akoma Gospel Choir celebrates 30 years of service and song
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — In 1995, a female gospel group was formed as part of a day long celebration for the 75th anniversary of the women's right to vote.
Today, that group known as Akoma is still together, celebrating their love for God, sisterhood and community.
Akoma Gospel Choir began singing together three decades ago.
'African American women from different walks of life… all different denominations,' Dr. Arlette Miller Smith told News 8.
Some 40 Rochester women from Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, and Pentecostal churches devote their time, talent, and treasures to this choir with a West African name.
Akoma means 'patience,' 'endurance,' 'consistence,' and 'faithfulness.'
News 8's Theresa Marsenburg: They know it's a committment.
Dr. Arlette Miller Smith: It's a passion.
In 1995, a group planning the 75th anniversary of the Women's Right to Vote wanted to end the all-day city-wide celebration with a special performance.
Dr. Arlette Miller Smith was among the organizers.
'We were all sitting around the table and someone says 'I think we need to have a gospel choir.' And everyone looked at me and said, You make that happen.''
So — she did — with the help of a local church musical director, who called on other choir directors and members from various churches around town.
'And as we say, 'And the rest is the herstory,'' Dr. Miller Smith said.
'It's truly the Glory of God,' Evelyn Greenwade Boatwood said.
'And our community,' Dr. Miller Smith said.
Evelyn Greenwade Boatwood is part of the 1995 'Original Recipe' — as they called themselves.
'We're not a traditional choir. It's a broader perspective,' Dr. Miller Smith said. 'We are passionate about our educational arm.'
Each year, Akoma awards college scholarships to young African American women graduating from area high schools, some $30,000 to date.
'For me, it's about a mentorship as well. I've learned so much in faith and just being a woman. A Black woman,' Vice President Colette Hardaway said.
They call it a sisterhood, and their prayer is to sustain Akoma so their story… and their song, never ends.
The 30th annual Akoma Scholarship Concert this Saturday evening at Monroe Community College is free and open to the public. Each member of the Akoma makes a financial commitment to the scholarships. They also ask for donations and welcome sponsorships.
For more information, visit the Akoma website.
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