Festival of African American Spirituals to Honor Rev. Pauli Murray

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The Episcopal Church in Southeast Florida

Festival of African American Spirituals

Festival of African American Spirituals to Honor the Legacy of the Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray

Immigration and Social Justice Ministries and Trinity Cathedral Miami host sacred gathering of music, scripture, and reflection

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., Immigration and Social Justice Ministries of the Episcopal Church in Southeast Florida, in partnership with Trinity Cathedral Miami, will host a Festival of African American Spirituals and readings honoring the life, faith, and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray.

Held at Trinity Cathedral Miami, the festival will celebrate a sacred tradition deeply rooted in American Christianity. African American spirituals emerged from the lived experience of enslaved Africans and became vessels for biblical storytelling, prayer, resistance, and hope—passed down through generations as expressions of faith and resilience.

The program will feature musical contributions from Trinity Cathedral organist Andrew Cooper and the Reverend James Bell, organist and choir director at Church of the Incarnation. Readings will include excerpts from voices that shaped the moral and spiritual fabric of the nation, including Thurgood Marshall, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray herself. Scripture and prayers from the Book of Common Prayer will be woven throughout the morning.

Pauli Murray, an Episcopal priest, civil rights activist, legal scholar, and poet, was a pioneering voice for justice whose work influenced generations of leaders and movements. This festival offers an opportunity to reflect on Murray’s legacy through the shared language of song, scripture, and communal prayer.

“All are welcome to this gathering of remembrance, resilience, and praise,” the Venerable J. Fritz Bazin shared.