105 Voices of History

Legacy and Traditions

The HBCU Voice

History

Established in 2008, with support and in partnership with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts the HBCU National Choir "105 Voices of History". It is still today the first-of-its-kind and only artistic and educational platform that unites talented student vocalists from across all the HBCUs nationwide into one powerful, collective voice with a multidisciplinary training focus. Training must go beyond singing to develop the whole student. It is only through this collective body the concert performance conductors are honored and receive the title "HBCU National Conductor".

Inaugural Performance: September 8, 2008 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Inaugural Performance Host: Ms. Phylicia Rashad

Mission

We strive to provide advanced musical training, cross-disciplinary professional development, and national and international performance opportunities, positioning students to achieve excellence and skills readiness for vast career options both on/off the stage and beyond.

Strategic Memberships

Opera America
Education Presenting Member

Presenting On World Stages

Historic Performances

Medellín Colombia South America
Celebrating the Afro Colombian Culture
Teatro Metropolitano

Christ Church Cathedral, Nassau Bahamas

Congressional Black Caucus Annual Conference, Washington D.C.

National Civil Rights Museum/Lorraine Hotel, Memphis, Tennessee
50th Anniversary Commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King's Death

Distinguished Concert Hosts

Ms. Phylicia Rashad

Ms. Shirley Caesar

Ms. Jennifer Holliday

Mr. Tom Joyner

Ms. Cathy Hughes

Mr. Wintley Phipps

Mr. Ben Tankard

Ms. Wynonna Judd

Exposure Experiences for Excellence

Achieved through Preparation, Professional Development, & Integrated Holistic Training to Develop the Whole Person "Character, Culture, Careers, Health and Economically"

Since Program Inception

$450,000+

Awarded in scholarships, training, stipends, honorariums, performance opportunities, travel, lodging, concert performance attire and more.

Please Give to Help Us Move Forward

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Highlights & Achievements

🏆 National Soloists Competitions

Providing platforms for exceptional talent to shine on national stages

🎭 Metropolitan Opera Achievement

Started as a student at Morgan State University

Leah Hawkins, HBCU National Choir Member Achieves the Metropolitan Opera "Porgy and Bess"

📚 Training & Performances

Professional Development: Comprehensive training in vocal technique, stage presence, and performance excellence

Fall 2025
Advance training for improving Italian diction proficiency just completed by cohort 1, sixteen students from multiple HBCUs. Training led by Stefano Baldasseroni; Italian Diction coach at: The Metropolitan Opera

Cultural Experiences: International tours and historic commemorations