Thank you to everyone who joined us for the first Snell Lecture of 2026!
If you’d like to watch the performance by The Nathaniel Dett Chorale and Dr. Stephen Newby’s lecture again, click here.
The first Snell Lecture of 2026 will feature a musical presentation by The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, performing The Nguzo Saba Suite, followed by a lecture from Dr. Stephen Newby of Baylor University on the theological and cultural significance of Andraé Crouch’s contribution to Gospel music.
The Lecture will feature two primary components: a Musical Presentation by The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, performing The Nguzo Saba Suite, and a Public Lecture delivered by Dr. Stephen Newby, The Lev H. Prichard III Endowed Chair in the Study of Black Worship and Professor of Music and Ambassador for the Black Gospel Music Preservation Program at Baylor University.
His lecture, “Kindred, Kindness, Koinónia – Black Sacred Music: The Music of Andrae Crouch and his Musical Community” will examine the deep theological and cultural significance of Andrae Crouch’s contribution to Gospel Music, and its intersection with the Nguzo Saba, the “Seven Principles” of Kwanzaa: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).
Open to all. No RSVP.
Service in-person and livestreamed here
Schedule:
4:30pm: Presentation The Nguzo Saba Suite by The Nathaniel Dett Chorale
5:00pm: Lecture from Dr. Stephen Newby of Baylor University + Q&A followed by reception
