Latest news with #MLKChoir
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Western Iowa Tech holds Power of Hair Expo
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — On Wednesday, Western Iowa Tech Community College hosted the 3rd Annual Power of Hair Expo. The public event had people take part in a celebration of self-expression, authenticity, and the transformative power of hair in honor of Black History Month. This year's theme was 'Wrapped and Crowned,' providing a spotlight on black hair accessories such as wraps and adornments. Honoring Black History: MLK Choir brings harmony to Siouxland Officials say the event helps bring people together. 'At Western Iowa Tech, we really want to create a space in which all are welcome and feel like they belong,' LaShawna Dean with WITCC said. 'That's why we do these types of events, because we are a community college and we know we are serving our community, and so to help folks of all ages to see is so very important. But yes, the takeaway is to be yourself and feel proud in that.' The expo also had student models showcase hair accessories and styles, as well as the artistry of black hair fashion on the runway. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Honoring Black History: MLK Choir brings harmony to Siouxland
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — Sandra Pearson and her husband Andrew have dedicated their free time to bringing unity and harmony to Siouxland. While some may not have heard about the MLK Choir, it's been around for over 40 years. 'We started, I would say, back in the mid-eighties under Dr. Floyd Everett Brown,' choir director Sandra Pearson said. 'He was the one that was very instrumental in helping us to form this Martin Luther King choir.' The idea to name the choir after the civil rights leader came from Pearson's sister. New residential subdivision coming to Sioux City 'She wanted to bring in the community through unity. And so why not choose Dr. Martin Luther King's vision and his dream to bring that on?' Pearson said. 'So we've been singing basically every year since then, and it involves the entire Siouxland area.'Anyone can join the volunteer-based choir. There are typically 35 to 80 members throughout the year.'I was invited. I had an email sent to me asking if I would like to be part of the choir,' member Kent Carper said. 'As soon as I got here and found out about this group, I was a part of it and the choir. It's been a really big blessing and a lot of fun.'The choir only practices two times for an hour each starting two weeks before a performance. It makes it easier for people to participate. 'We can sing anywhere from four to five songs,' Pearson said. 'We sing songs that are so inspiring and with a lot of energy. Sometimes our songs can really go for a while because the audience is really giving us that energy.' Longtime Siouxland Bishop to retire; Successor appointed Choir members aren't just there to sing. They support one another as they go through difficult times.'After the rehearsal, I just really teared up because there were some words in the songs that really blessed me,' Carper said. 'It's a really, really awesome experience. I can't really describe in words, the energy, and just I love the unity as well because it's a very diverse choir of very diverse people of all kinds of backgrounds, all kinds of different – just a lot of diversity. And we're just all together, united, singing together.'The choir's biggest event is the yearly performance around Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
