Music had the ability to bring people together. Because of this, the Black Student Association (BSA) Choir wanted to create a space to worship God freely without the constraints of social pressures. Junior Namon Pope said the BSA Choir filled a gap in music styles at Harding. Pope said the BSA had several members who were musically talented and interested in creating a group representative of their style of worship. Compared to other Harding affiliated choirs, the BSA Choir presented a gospel sound, according to Pope. He said the tone was more relaxed because they did not use sheet music, but learned everything by ear instead. "It's just that different style and different flavor," Pope said. Freshman Vanessa Francis-Ayers, director of the BSA Choir, said she wanted a space where students could understand their differences, whether that be through the way they sang or the way they looked. "I want to create a place for them to understand that they may be different, but it is good," Francis-Ayers said. "God has created us like that, and we're justified." Francis-Ayers said it was this mindset that led her to the idea of renaming the choir to Justified -- a Ministry of Sounds. Senior Matilyn Thomas, assistant director of the BSA Choir, said she looked forward to the progress the name change could bring to the choir. The name change was a step closer to becoming an official Harding choir and portrayed a more inclusive nature. "Being more official allows us to spread the diversity of music and people," Pope said. "We're being ambassadors for Harding and encouraging others to join us." Throughout her time at Harding, Thomas said Justified was a safe haven, and she wanted to share that with others. Thomas said Justified was another way to make Harding look like heaven -- a diverse set of people with different backgrounds and stories. "If our singing is going to help that, then we're going to sing for two purposes: promoting people to come to Harding and singing for God," Thomas said. Pope said God's kingdom was diverse, which was why worship could be diverse. He said Justified helped him grow in his confidence of who he was as a creation of God. Thomas said she wanted everyone to benefit through this choir, whether by participating or by watching. story by Kylie Jones organizations 279
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