Raise Your Voice: UGA choir brings music and community in harmony

Gregory Broughton, associate professor of voice for the Hugh Hodgson School of Music and conductor of the African American Choral Ensemble (AACE), never misses a moment to celebrate and lift up the people around him. Upon seeing the original founder of AACE (formerly Pamoja Singers) in the crowd of their November concert, he invited Pastor Nawanna Lewis Miller to join him on stage.

Broughton was surprised to find that Miller was already equipped with her own microphone. 

“Well, I know I didn’t give her that,” said Broughton. 

Pastor Miller proceeded to share with the audience the story of founding Pamoja Singers in 1970 and her pride in Broughton for his work with the choir. Miller was joined by the President of Pamoja Connections Inc. Subrena Clark (BA ‘92, Speech Communications). Together, Miller and Clark presented Broughton with the Founder’s Award which read “Thank you for 35 Years of Divine Excellence.”

"In 1970, I was a nineteen-year-old sophomore from Atlanta, Georgia, at the University of Georgia, majoring in Broadcast Journalism. Now Attorney Dwight Thomas was President of the Black Student Union that year, and he appointed me as the Mistress of Cultural Affairs," said Miller. "I went back to my dorm room on the eighth floor of Creswell Hall and typed out the “God’s vision” for five groups that God gave me."

"The goal that pushed me was to create the groups that spoke to us as Black people to which we could relate and belong in a harsh environment of isolation," Miller said.

Clark, along with Jackie Wright (BA ‘82 Drama, BA ‘84 Journalism) coordinated with the Hodgson School staff to plan the presentation for Broughton. 

“It was important to participate in AACE because of my love for African American historical and inspirational music,” said Clark. “However, it expanded my knowledge of writers and music theory while expanding relationships with other students with whom I still remain in contact.  The connection through Dr. Broughton and AACE is a living treasure for me and others.” 

Daniel Bara, interim director of HHSOM echoed Clark’s sentiments. 

“Gregory Broughton is a treasure, an irreplaceable member of our voice faculty who has nurtured generations of vocal artists," Bara said. "His leadership of AACE has been a source of inspiration, belonging, pride, and artistry for so many people. He is truly beloved by our school and community, and deserving of this recognition.”

“I was shocked and surprised to have been recognized as a recipient of the founder’s award,” said Broughton. “I believe that the founder wanted to show her appreciation for the work I have done to sustain the group which was her brainchild. She has remarked over the years that she has been very pleased to see that the group has been sustained."

“In addition to cultivating a space where African American students can have a choral performance outlet and a safe space for fellowship, I have endeavored to have as our top priority the performance of choral works composed or arranged by African American composers. Through these works we explore many aspects of African American culture that otherwise would be left out of the UGA experience.," Broughton said. 

"The fact that I get to interact with the participants in AACE means I get to work with some of the most talented students on the campus who may or may not be a music major. From my earliest days on the campus, there were very few music majors in the group. The number of African American music majors has increased tremendously so I now have more in AACE even to the point of consistently having graduate music students.” 

Clark agreed with Broughton. “I wish everyone knew that they can become a student in the AACE class," she said. "It is not just about music but it teaches, inspires, and encourages students on how to expand their personal growth, to work through life challenges and opportunities. Being in AACE helped build relationships, improved my listening abilities, and expanded my creativity beyond music and the arts.”

Though proud of this achievement, Broughton always brings the story back to the students. 

“My students know beyond a shadow of all doubt that first and foremost, I indeed do care about them to the point of nurturing and loving them into their future successes,” he said.

Image: Gregory Broughton (far left), George Miller, III and Pastor Nawanna Lewis Miller, along with current and former AACE singers, including Subrena Clark (center) following the AACE concert on Monday, November 25, 2024.