Gracious Hosts

The Claflin University Concert Choir performs at Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, Ga.

Newly graduated, choir member Brandon Hicks rushed to the Claflin University bus, clad in cap and gown, to go with the concert choir on its spring tour. Having had just a few minutes to celebrate his accomplishment, Hicks joined the choir members for a tiring, yet rewarding first day on tour.

“Even though I graduated today, I wanted to share this experience with the choir,” Hicks said. “This is a great opportunity and I’ve never been out west before.”

The concert choir kicked off its spring tour in Atlanta, Ga., hosted by the Claflin University alumni chapter there. They had been awake since 6 a.m., performed at commencement and left for Atlanta directly afterwards to make the 7 p.m. performance.

The Atlanta chapter gave the choir a warm welcome, and Dr. McGee and he choir members agree that it was their best concert so far. The audience was very gracious as was Mr. Howard Butler, president of the Atlanta chapter, and Mrs. Clemmie Hatchett who reminisced about her days as a Claflin student 66 years ago. Her daughter, Glenda Hatchett, known as Judge Hatchett from the popular television show, talked to the students, took photographs with them and shared words of wisdom.

We left Atlanta at 11 p.m. for the long drive to Dallas. The choir will perform here Monday evening before heading to Phoenix, Arizona.  

Claflin University alumna Mrs. Clemmie Hatchett (center) greets choir members (from left)Jane' Barrow, Nikki Smalls, Scheron Clarke and Karah Brown.

Dr. Isaiah McGee and Judge Glenda Hatchett.