National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade returns
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Students from University of the District of Columbia proudly represent the historically Black institution in the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. Shown here Aliyah Carter (left), Anderson Hall, Michaele Sansbury, Mariah Mackie, Isiah King, Dr. Lee Brian Reba, Donte Brooks, Denise Slaughter, Tiffany Cartwell (back,left), Lauryn Massey, Tamara Phelps, Marvin Alexander, Kaniyah Washington and Cheyenne Barber.
On April 11 the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade was held on Constitution Avenue in the heart of Washington, D.C. Big floating balloons, marching bands, celebrity singers and dancers entertained the crowd. People from all over the world lined the street to enjoy the event, which included performances from The Spinners and dancers from DANCE4LIFE School of the Arts & Training Institute in Delaware.
All AFRO Photos/ Patricia McDougall
Patricia McDougall Special to the AFRO
Alexander McDougall enjoys the parade with Kaiden Matthews Findley (top, left) and Lia Matthews.
Show here, students from the Creative and Performing Arts High School of Philadelphia: James Way (left), Mattingly Handy, Camille Ballard, Aafir Crawford and Elisha Julmice.
Nabila Mangun dons her soft pink for the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.
Angie M. Gates (left), president and chief executive officer of Events DC, shares a moment with entertainer Raheem DeVaughn.
Dr. Steven G. Johnson, executive vice president of Events DC, enjoys the festivities.
Warner Sessions (left), Paige Lispcome and Pia Brown take in the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade from the Grand Stand in Washington, D.C.
Singer Anita Ward (left), Adena Maria Norwood and D.C. Secretary of State Kimberly A. Bassett enjoy the parade route via float.
Members of The Spinners, the internationally known rhythm and blues group, take to the stage as Dance for Life Delaware performers entertain the crowd at the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in D.C. on April 11.
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra hosts GospelFest in honor of Richard Smallwood
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra hosted its 2026 “GospelFest” event in tribute to gospel legend Richard Smallwood on April 9 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The event gathered choirs from local historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) in the area, including Bowie State University, Howard University, Coppin State University and Morgan State University.
The symphony, conducted by Jonathan Taylor Rush, featured musical selections by Darin Atwater.
“When working on the musical selection for this event, we knew that we could not do it alone,” said Rush. “Atwater put the program together from start to finish. Every single tune played tonight was written by Smallwood or inspired by him.”
Atwater’s connection to Smallwood began during his time at Morgan State University, where he received a call from the artist. Smallwood was inviting Atwater to travel with his choir. The two went on to collaborate for more than 30 years.
“The program is arranged in a specific order,” said Atwater. “It begins with praise, to worship, to celebration and lastly, adoration.”
Performances included Smallwood classics such as “My Everything,” “Calvary,” “Lord We Praise Your Name” and “Total Praise.”
“Total Praise,” inspired by Psalms 121, declares God as a source of strength. The hymn has been covered by artists such as Donnie McClurkin and Fred Hammond, and remains a staple in the African-American church.
“Being saved at the age of 17 and remembering hearing ‘Total Praise’ is truly moving,” said attendee Parris Jackson.“For all of these HBCU choirs to come together, it doesn’t get any better. Morgan’s choir alone is amazing but to bring in the other choirs and bring them together to this crescendo of an event—how could you miss this?”
Special guest performers included Maurette Brown Clark and Tabitha Brooks. Clark, an
award-winning gospel artist, is an original member of Smallwood’s group “Vision” and collaborated with him on the song “Angels.”
“We’re thankful to everyone who watched his funeral service and prayed for us during this time,” said Clark. “Richard wasn’t selfish. He was a cool guy. He shared his gifts and his talent for music.” Smallwood’s influence spans through generations, with written songs performed by Yolanda Adams, Whitney Houston, Karen Clark-Sheard and Destiny’s Child.
Rush also incorporated a personal touch, inviting his sister, Kymberli Joyeragin, to perform.
“One thing is, I’m a preacher’s kid,” said Rush. “ I have no problem with turning this place into a sanctuary.”
Brandon Felder led the choir from Bowie State University, with Kevin A. Carr leading Coppin State University. Reginald Golden guided the Howard
of
Gospel Choir
Howard University, while Dr. Eric Conway directed the renowned Morgan State University Choir.
By Kendra Bryant Special to the AFRO
Photos courtesy of Yaseen Jones / Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Maurette Brown Clark performs “Angels” during GospelFest.
Photos courtesy of Yaseen Jones / Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Jonathan Taylor Rush conducts the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) as soloist Tabitha Brooks performs with the Morgan State University Choir, the Bowie State University Concert Choir and the gospel choirs of Coppin State and Howard University for GospelFest 2026.
AFRO Photo Kendra Bryant
Parris Jackson attends the event to hear the late Richard Smallwood’s gospel song, “Total Praise.”
AFRO Photo / Kendra Bryant
Vicki Ballou-Watts (left) and Krystin Richardson enjoy the evening.
Photo courtesy of Yaseen Jones / Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Jonathan Taylor Rush takes a break from conducting the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to address the GospelFest audience. Rush has been influential in bringing more Black culture to the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore.