FirstLadyB: Entertainment News With A Purpose
The future site of the National Museum of Gospel Music was blessed last week by political and religious leaders in the heart of Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood.
The National Museum of Gospel Music is being constructed on Chicago’s Southside, which was once the home of Chicago’s Pilgrim Baptist Church. (the church burned down during an accidental fire) The historic church is also where Thomas Dorsey “The Father of Gospel Music” was the music director for decades. The ceremony also paid tribute to Dorsey.
“To see what’s going on now, we’re encouraged,” said Dorsey’s grandson, Thomas Dorsey III.
Photo Credit: YouTube
Pilgrim Baptist Church is also considered the birthplace of Gospel music. Some of Gospel music’s legends sang there, including Aretha Franklin, Albertina Walker, Mahalia Jackson, James Cleveland, The Staple Singers, and The Edwin Hawkins Singers. Another fun fact: Martin Luther King Jr. also delivered sermons at Pilgrim Baptist Church during the civil rights movement.
Following the blessing, a benefit concert was held to help raise money for the structure.
The push for the National Museum of Gospel Music is spearheaded by Don Jackson, who’s the successful businessman behind the creation of the well-known Stellar Awards.
The 45,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in 2022.
