Lift Every Voice: Carrying the Sound of Our Legacy Forward

Every February, Cornerstone comes together to celebrate Black History Month—a time to honor our culture, our faith, and the trailblazers who made it possible for us to live in the world they once only imagined. Each Sabbath, we gather in African-inspired attire, lift our voices in the Black National Anthem, and reflect on the stories and legacies that continue to shape our community today. This year, we closed out our month-long celebration powerfully and unforgettably with a homegrown musical from our very own Ms. H. Hensford: Lift Every Voice: A Gospel Story.

At the heart of Lift Every Voice: A Gospel Story is a deep love for music, worship, and unity. For its young producer, the inspiration was both personal and spiritual. From an early age, music and storytelling played a central role in shaping her faith and identity.

That passion first came to life in 2025 with the successful concert Lift Every Voice and Sing. The overwhelming response made it clear that the message needed to go further—beyond a concert and into a story. By September 2025, plans were underway for what would become Lift Every Voice: A Gospel Story, with one clear mission: to create a meaningful experience that speaks to this generation while leaving a lasting spiritual impact.

To get a deeper look into what went on behind the scenes, I connected with the producer of Lift Every Voice: A Gospel Story for an inside scoop on how the vision came to life. From the first spark of inspiration to the challenges and faith-filled moments along the way, the interview reveals the heart, purpose, and prayer behind the production, and how this musical became more than a performance, but a ministry.

Why Lift Every Voice Matters Right Now

Lift Every Voice hits at a time when life feels loud, stressful, and overwhelming, especially for young people. With so many distractions and pressures pulling at us, this musical reminds us that gospel music still has power. One song can lift your mood, calm your anxiety, and remind you that God is present in both the highs and the lows.

At the heart of the story is a simple but powerful idea: “Gospel music isn’t dead, people just can’t hear it.” Jesus is alive, and His story still lives through us. But when life gets noisy, it’s easy to miss the peace gospel music brings. When we slow down and really listen, those songs remind us that God is still with us and we’re not alone.

Gospel Music Isn’t Dead, It’s Evolving

One of the goals of Lift Every Voice is to challenge the idea that gospel music or church is outdated. Gospel music isn’t just one sound or one style—it’s diverse, creative, and constantly evolving. No matter the beat or genre, the message stays the same: faith, hope, and redemption.

This musical shows that gospel music still speaks to this generation. It’s not stuck in the past—it’s alive, relevant, and still hitting hearts today.

Faith, Creativity, and God Behind the Scenes

This production was different from a typical musical. Instead of original songs written just for scenes, real gospel music became the foundation of the story. Because it was an Adventist Youth program, involving young people was a must, but it wasn’t easy.

Getting youth from different churches together came with challenges: busy schedules, transportation issues, and stepping into unfamiliar spaces. But through prayer, persistence, and stepping out in faith, everything came together. Four guest groups participated, and looking back, it’s clear God was working behind the scenes the entire time. Creative expression matters because not everyone connects with God the same way. Music, storytelling, and stage productions bring faith to life, especially for young people who might struggle to connect through sermons alone.

Passing the Mic to the Next Generation

Lift Every Voice is proof of what happens when churches make room for young people to lead and create. This musical reflects a church culture that trusts youth, values their ideas, and encourages them to use their gifts for God’s glory.

Presented during Black History Month, the story also connects generations. The same songs that carried our ancestors through struggle and hardship are the same songs that can give us strength today. When we keep singing them and sharing their message, we keep that legacy alive.

For creative teens and young adults wondering if their gifts belong in church, the answer is yes. Creativity belongs everywhere, especially in God’s house. When creativity is encouraged, uplifts, and points people to God, it becomes ministry.

Lift Every Voice reminds us that faith still has a sound, and this generation still has a voice.

  You can watch Lift Every Voice: A Gospel Story on our YouTube Channel by clicking the link here.