Athens, Georgia- As 2024 comes to a close, Pamoja Connections, Inc. invites you to celebrate a legacy of excellence, artistry, and education by supporting the Pamoja Scholarship in Honor of Pastor Nawanna Lewis Miller. This year-end giving initiative pays tribute to Pastor Miller, founder of Pamoja in 1970, and celebrates the enduring contributions of Dr. Gregory Broughton, a beacon of leadership and inspiration at the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music.
Honoring Dr. Gregory Broughton
During the African American Choral Ensemble (AACE) Fall Concert titled To Sit and Dream, Pamoja Connections, Inc. honored Dr. Gregory Broughton with the prestigious inaugural Founder’s Award for his over 35 years of exceptional leadership of AACE. The concert was a memorable evening featuring an inspiring program of choral performances that celebrated African American musical traditions and highlighted themes of hope and perseverance.
During the African American Choral Ensemble (AACE) Fall Concert titled To Sit and Dream, Pamoja Connections, Inc. honored Dr. Gregory Broughton with the prestigious inaugural Founder’s Award for his over 35 years of exceptional leadership of AACE. Leading into the Thanksgiving break, the concert—held on Monday, November 25th—was a masterfully orchestrated evening of excellence under the direction of Dr. Gregory Broughton, Director; Abigail Popwell, Student Conductor; and Rayvon Love, Student Conductor. Featuring works by William May, DMA Composition Student and Pianist, the concert was underwritten by Rhonda Lucile Hicks.
Under Dr. Broughton’s direction, standout performances included My Name is Tall, I Shall Pass Through This World, A City Called Heaven, To Sit and Dream, He That Dwelleth, and Who Hath Believed as the finale—one of several selections by William May. The program highlighted several of May’s compositions. For the complete program with selections and performers, visit: African American Choral Ensemble Fall Concert.
Former AACE members joined current ensemble members in a powerful moment of reunion as a finale and photo opportunity that brought the audience to its feet in recognition of the continuum of Pamoja which means “togetherness in Swahili.” “Pamoja” is the name Pastor Nawanna Lewis Miller as an undergraduate student coined for the five groups she created in 1970: Pamoja Singers; Pamoja Dancers; Pamoja Drama & Arts; Pamoja Newspaper; and Journalism Association for Minorities that are still existent as African American Choral Ensemble; Pamoja Dance Company; InFUsion Magazine; National Association of Black Journalists and Black Theatrical Ensemble (BTE) founded by Larry Calhoun (Pamoja Drama & Arts is the antecedent of BTE).
The fall concert also included heartfelt remarks by Subrena Clark, President of the Pamoja Connections Inc. Board of Directors, and a congratulatory message from Dr. Daniel Bara, Interim Director of the Hugh Hodgson School of Music:
“Dr. Gregory Broughton is a treasure! He is an irreplaceable member of our voice faculty, having nurtured generations of vocal artists. His leadership of AACE has been a source of inspiration, belonging, pride, and artistry for so many people for so many years! He is truly beloved by our school and community, and is so deserving of this recognition.” – Dr. Daniel Bara
Dr . Broughton had no idea that he was going to be honored when he called Subrena Clark, Pastor Nawanna Lewis Miller, and her husband of over fifty years, Mr. George Miller III to the stage to acknowledge their attendance at the concert. See a clip of the presentation on Youtube: https://youtu.be/KYajn7Kq0_Q.
“It was a magnificent concert and also very touching to have Dr. Broughton bring us to the stage not knowing we had arranged to honor him. It was a divine moment to have him bring past members of ACCE to join the current members on stage at the end of the performance signifying the continuum of Pamoja excellence, said Pastor Nawanna Lewis Miller, Chairman of Pamoja Connections, Inc., Board of Directors.
Pamoja Connections, Inc. extends special thanks to James Harold Sewell and Shaun Baer of the Hugh Hodgson School of Music for facilitating the presentation that caught Dr. Broughton totally, yet pleasantly off guard.
A Legacy of Giving
The longevity of ACCE, Dr. Broughton’s work for 36 years of Pamoja’s almost 55 year existence, is affirmation of the need of the public’s support to build on the legacy that has positively impacted the lives of so many students and others at the University of Georgia. Contributions to the Pamoja Scholarship in honor of Pastor Nawanna Lewis Miller help ensure that future generations of students can continue to thrive in an environment enriched by the arts, education, and cultural heritage. Donations can be made online at UGA Pamoja Scholarship. “Better Together” a current adage of community building was prophetically implanted in the culture of the University of Georgia as Pastor Nawanna Lewis Miller created a vision of Pamoja, “Togetherness” in her Creswell Hall Dorm over five decades ago.
Reflecting on Five Decades of Grace
Pamoja’s history is a testament to the vision and dedication of its founder and members. As we honor their legacy, we look to the future with a renewed commitment to uplifting and empowering communities through the arts and education. Learn more about Pamoja’s rich history and ongoing impact in these related articles:
- Pamoja: Past, Present & Future
- Five Decades of Grace: Pamoja’s Golden Anniversary
- Legacy of Pastor Nawanna Lewis Miller
Your year-end gift to Pamoja supports more than a scholarship—it sustains a movement that began over five decades ago and continues to inspire excellence today. Together, let us honor the past, sustain the present and invest in the future.
Stay tuned in the New Year for news of the Pamoja documentary and book slated for additional artistic elements to assist students involved in Pamoja.
Also Take Note of Upcoming Events at Hugh Hodgson Concert HallDecember 16, 2024- Christmas in the Classic City
December 18, 2024- Vienna Boys Choir
December 21, 2024- Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
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