Elders, adults, teens, and children loaded up and settled down all over Goffe Street Park on the last day of the 11th Annual Gospel Fest. The sun beamed down with scorching rays for the three day fest that started Friday and ended Saturday. The smell of burgers, hotdogs, fried dough and popcorn billowed the air. Vender booths covered the basketball court consisting of religious clothing, food, and religious music.
One tent was manned by disabled Vietnam v eteran Charles Elbert, 52. Elbert (pictured) wrote a book called, Yes I’m Chosen. Elbert said he had a prophetic dream where at the end God spoke to him and said “chosen.” After awakening, Elbert quickly got started on his journey in writing his book. The book can be found at Jerry Green’s Gospel Store on Whalley Avenue. Elbert mentioned that he appreciates the purpose of the Gospel Fest. “It’s development for the community, brings brotherhood and unity, spiritual enlightenment, and acknowledgment of our savior.”
Friday night was a Poetry Slam and Open Mic Night at Hillhouse High School. Dee Dee’s Dance Center, Papa San, Sylvia Jones and Jerome Ringo Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies and others performed at the park on Saturday.
Eleven summers ago, in August, Minster Donald Morris (pictured) helped organize the first Gospel Fest. “What better way to bring people together,” Morris said, “other than faith?”
Unfortunately, Morris said, this might have been the last all weekend Gospel Fest, because of funding shortfalls. In its 12th year, next summer, it may be a one day-only festival.
this is the same rev. morris that declared 2007 would not see a single homicide in the elm city. the c.c.c. (christian community commission) is a self serving vehicle for the good rev..
what exactly has the commission done to curtail violence, teen / unwanted pregnance and true education improvement to our city.
watch his program on ctv and you get a supersized gulp of rhetoric and versus from a 5,000 year old novel.