OUC celebrates Black History Month with screening of PBS docuseries

CHILLICOTHE — In honor of Black History Month Ohio University Chillicothe, along with local partners, recently held a screening of sections from the PBS docuseries "GOSPEL." The screening was followed by a panel featuring local Black church leaders from the community.

The original docuseries is four hours long and tells the history of Black gospel music and how it has been influenced over time by events such as the ending of slavery and other music styles like the blues. It also showcases how music has become a form of expression for many and how the songs went from only being heard in church to being known worldwide.

The panel consisted of local historian Beverly Gray, choir director Ric McConnell and musician Linda Wilson. After watching the screening the panel shared their thoughts on the local Black church history. Before even speaking McConnell was moved by the screening and gospel music as a whole. He said he was "in awe" and that it is hard to come up with words to describe what gospel music is and what it means.

The panelists agreed that gospel music tells the story of God and is a tool that the Lord uses to reach people.

"It is to pull you forward that you look for something more," said Wilson.

While talking about the different types of gospel music and how it has changed over the years Wilson commented that no matter the style all gospel music comes from the heart and is a motivation to people in good times and the bad.

Gray said she can still remember the sound of those around her singing, clapping and stomping in the church she grew up in as they sand his praises. She said the music she hears during church often sticks with her throughout the week.

"That's what gospel does," said Gray. "It gets in you."

"GOSPEL" will premiere on PBS on Feb. 12.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Docuseries screening and panel teaches about the Black Church