Black Music Ensemble to perform “Hold to His Hand” Friday

March 26, 2025

By Brooke Donley
Berea College

BEREA, Ky.—The Berea College Black Music Ensemble (BME) will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, March 28 in Presser Hall’s Gray Auditorium.

The performance titled “Hold to His Hand” aims to inspire the audience to hold onto hope. The selections highlight the African American diaspora from classics to contemporary. The audience can expect an engaging performance that will leave them feeling hopeful and draw attention to their significance in the world. 

The BME was founded in 1969 by a group of African American students who wanted to share their religious culture with their peers. The group started with the goal to “supplement religious life on campus and give vent to Christian love through song.” BME has grown through the years, allowing students to share their religious culture with not just their peers and the campus community, but a wider audiences around the country. 

The group is led by Emmanuel J. Stokes and Pastor David Simmons.

This event is free and open to the public. 

A livestream of the performance will also be available at www.vimeo.com/bereacollegemusic.