Baylor University’s Black Gospel Archive Receives $2.48M Grant for Oral History Expansion
In the heart of Baylor University’s library lies a hidden gem that many students pass by daily without realizing its significance. The Black Gospel Archive, curated by Dr. Stephen Newby and his team, stands as the largest digital archive of black gospel music and preaching in the world. With walls adorned with records and sheet music dating back to the golden era of the 1940s to the mid-70s, the archive is a treasure trove of musical history waiting to be explored.
Thanks to a generous $2.48 million grant from the Lilly Endowment, the Black Gospel Archive is set to undergo a significant expansion. Dr. Newby and his team will now be able to bring pieces of the archive to conferences and concerts, raising public awareness of this invaluable collection. Moreover, the grant will facilitate the collection of vital oral histories from individuals in their 80s and 90s who have firsthand experiences with gospel music and its role in their communities.
One of the driving forces behind the creation of this remarkable archive is former Baylor professor Robert Darden, a journalist whose passion for gospel music led him to establish the archive nearly two decades ago. Recognizing the enduring strength of gospel music in providing solace and resilience to those in times of struggle, Darden emphasized the importance of preserving this cultural heritage for future generations to understand and appreciate.
Personal connections to gospel music are not uncommon among those involved in the Black Gospel Archive. Dr. Stephen Newby, the archive’s director, recalls fond memories of gospel songs from his childhood in Detroit, which sparked his lifelong passion for this genre. Drawing from his own experiences, Newby is committed to filling in the narrative gaps within the archive and sharing his knowledge with others through workshops aimed at preserving the heritage of churches and their musical traditions.
The Black Gospel Archive currently houses around 50,000 digitized gospel records, with the potential for countless more to be discovered and preserved. As Dr. Newby aptly puts it, the ongoing digitization of gospel music is a necessary endeavor akin to continually recording Beethoven’s symphonies—each rendition offers a unique perspective and enriches the collective musical landscape.
In addition to expanding its digital collection, the grant will also allow for the physical expansion of the archive, the hiring of new staff dedicated to digitization efforts, and the funding of a four-year concert series. While details for the concert series are still being finalized, Newby plans to showcase Midwestern Gospel, with a focus on cities like Chicago and Detroit, celebrating the rich musical heritage of these regions.
As the Black Gospel Archive continues to grow and evolve, it serves as a testament to the enduring power of gospel music and its ability to connect communities across generations. Through the preservation of oral histories and the digitization of rare records, the archive not only honors the past but also paves the way for future generations to appreciate and engage with this rich musical tradition.
If you value the work being done at the Black Gospel Archive and wish to support its mission, consider making a donation to help sustain this invaluable resource for years to come. Your contribution helps ensure that projects like this continue to thrive and inspire others to explore the beauty and significance of gospel music. Thank you for your support.
