THE KUUMBA SINGERS OF HARVARD COLLEGE 40TH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND

Dear Kuumba Community,

This past spring, several hundred alumni, family, and friends came together to celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of The Kuumba Singers of Harvard College. In the course of three days, we recognized Kuumba’s legacy in a variety of ways.

At a commemorative dinner held in Adams House Dining Hall, we honored the three directors of The Kuumba Singers—Hubert Walters, Robert J. Winfrey, and Sheldon K.X. Reid. We also took the opportunity to thank Rev. Dennis Wiley for his role in founding the choir and acknowledged the charter members. It was such an enlightening experience to hear the stories of Kuumba’s past and to learn from the giants that have shaped Kuumba into the community that it is today.

Saturday, we held a Town Hall meeting, where the Executive and Alumni Boards presented updates on the state of the choir and we held an open forum at which many ideas were suggested for the advancement of the choir, particularly in alumni relations. Linda Sowell, president of the alumni board, expressed the great support that the alumni have for the choir and encouraged us all to never lose touch with our Kuumba Family.

That night, we performed for a sold-out crowd at Sanders Theatre at the 40^th Annual Dean Archie C. Epps Spring Concert. It was a glorious concert, featuring pieces directed by Mr. Winfrey and Prof. Walters, an original composition from founder Dennis Wiley, and several alumni soloists. We celebrated with song, spoken word, and dance in a concert that kept everyone on their feet and enveloped in the spirit. Never have I felt so blessed to be surrounded by my Kuumba family of the past and present.

The anniversary weekend concluded with a closing brunch and service at which we were blessed with the words of Rev. Teddy Maynard ’00 and Rev. Dennis Wiley ’72 as they shared their personal experiences and expectations for Kuumba.

We would like to thank all those who made the 40^th Anniversary Celebration a success—the 40^th Anniversary Committee, 2009-2010 Executive Board, Alumni Board, our honorary guests, and all those who made their way back to join us. We congratulate all of the Kuumba Singers on 40 years of excellence and reiterate our truest desire for our choir, our community, and our family: “May We Forever Stand.”

Warmest Regards,

The Kuumba Singers 40^th Anniversary Co-Chairs
Kaydene Grinnell ’10 and Ashley Hutchinson ‘12

VIEW THE 40^th ANNIVERSARY SCHEDULE

MEMORIES FROM SPRING 2010