Sunday night, the New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church hosted a memorable concert featuring the celebrated gospel music group The Brown Singers. The performance, a highlight of the Regular Arkansas Missionary Baptist State Young People’s Department annual convention known as the Margaret Thrower’s Angel Network Concert, filled the church to capacity, drawing a large and enthusiastic audience. The tickets were in high demand, up to the last minute, attesting to the popularity and excitement surrounding the event.
In an atmosphere charged with anticipation, lead vocalist Lisa Knowles graced the stage, flanked by the vibrant Brown singers and a skilled band. Their carefully curated setlist featured a harmonious blend of beloved gospel classics, stirring worship anthems, and fan-favorite selections from the quartet group, captivating the audience with their musical prowess and heartfelt performances.
Lisa Knowles is a renowned gospel singer and the leader of the Brown Singers, a female gospel vocal group. They are known for their soulful harmonies and energetic performances.
Lisa Knowles & The Brown Singers have won several awards, including the 2015 Stellar Awards Quartet of the Year, 2024 Quartet of the Year and Traditional Artist of the Year to name a few.
They have also been nominated for numerous other awards, solidifying their place as a prominent force in gospel music. Their talent and dedication to the genre have earned them critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.
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The crowd was on its feet, singing, clapping, and dancing throughout the night. Pine Bluff native, gospel extraordinaire Keenon Colman, set the stage with the opening act for Lisa Knowles and the Brown Singers.
The UAPB Alum formed a Youth and Young Adult Ministry Future Generation Choir in 2011. According to his bio, Keenon and the choir were very successful and even went on to be 2015 Anjelica Records Music Love Awards Choir of The Year Winners and 2016 Anjelica Records Music Love Awards Choir Director of The Year. The Ministry Was Also Nominated for 2016 Rhythm of Gospel Awards.
Kicking off the Margaret Thrower’s Angel Network Concert, the convention youth took the stage as the opening act, setting a vibrant tone for the evening with a carefully curated selection that brought the past attendees into the choir stand to sing along with the youth.
The concert recognized students for their outstanding academic achievements and accomplishments. Among those honored were:
- Journei Poles
- Kylie Davis
- Ty’Veonna Williams
- Khollin Franklin
- Desmond Tucker
- Canaria Powell
- Jeremiah Smith
- Jeremyah Purchase
- Keivionna Hicks
- Taylor Bagby
- Ashley Wallace
The Kids Feeding Kids Award, given annually, recognizes individuals or organizations that consistently nurture young people’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Funded by donations from the youth and churches of the Regular Arkansas Baptist Convention, the award includes a monetary donation.
The 2024 Kids Feeding Kids Award recipient is FEED First USA, a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing nutritious meals and educational enrichment to underserved and at-risk youth.
FEED, which stands for Food, Enrichment, and Educational Development, was founded in southwest Little Rock in 2014. This organization provides meals, homework assistance and after school activities to help keep kids off the street during high crime hours. The staff of FEED First lives in the community they serve and are invested in the success of the program.
The organization offers several programs, including summer camps and summer job programs, the Feed First Saturday Lunchbox program, the Feed the Mind Literacy program, and Meals for Mercy. Through Meals for Mercy, the organization provides food and essential services to children, families, and vulnerable populations such as seniors, disabled veterans, and the homeless.
The Young People’s state director, Cynthia Bullard, praised the concert’s positive impact on the convention, noting how the music uplifted and unified attendees.
“Last night was an epic event, it was the first,” said Lakita Porter, convention musical director.
The success of this concert highlights the enduring appeal of gospel music and the powerful role it plays in bringing people together in faith and celebration.
The convention will continue through Wednesday with class sessions, activities, morning and evening worship services and a State Young People’s Choir Concert. The concert will be held today at 6:30 p.m. at New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church located at 3319 S. Ohio Street in Pine Bluff.
“I’m just looking forward to the children having an amazing time learning, making new friends and building relationships,” said Porter. I am looking forward to all of the competitions and allowing the opportunity for them to showcase their talents. I’m just looking forward to all of the big things that’ll be happening this week.”
The Brown Singers perform during the Regular Arkansas Missionary Baptist State Young People’s Department annual convention. (Pine Bluff Commercial/Eplunus Colvin)
Pine Bluff native, gospel extraordinaire Keenon Colman, set the stage with the opening act the Brown Singers. (Pine Bluff Commercial/Eplunus Colvin)
Regular Arkansas Missionary Baptist State Young People’s Director, Cynthia Bullard, enjoys herself at the Magaret Thrower’s Angel Network Concert. (Special to the Commercial)
Lead vocalist Lisa Knowles captivates the audience with her powerful vocals. (Pine Bluff Commercial/Eplunus Colvin)