We will discuss the messages conveyed through negro spirituals and how they influenced social activism and resilience. What are some current gospel songs that convey a social justice theme?  Do these songs encourage social activism? 

Guest Speaker: Professor Deborah Smith Pollard 

Dr. Deborah Smith Pollard is a Professor of English Literature and Humanities at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. This year, she is celebrating her 40th anniversary as a gospel radio announcer and producer in Detroit on WJLB FM 98, WQBH, and WCHB. Since 2018, she has co-hosted “Sunday Morning Inspiration” with Glenda Curry on WMXD “MIX” 92.3 FM.

She was host and producer of the McDonald’s GospelFest in Detroit and the Motor City PraiseFest, and she produced the regional Emmy Award-winning “GodSounds” on Detroit’s NBC affiliate for 8 years. 

Among the many honors, she has received are the “Gospel Announcer of the Year” from the Stellar Awards (2004) and the 2021 Michigan Heritage Award in recognition of her decades of academic, media, and community work in gospel music.

Dr. Pollard has lectured internationally on gospel music. Her research, including praise and worship in the urban church and the changes in attire in gospel music, has been published in several academic and popular journals. Her first book, When the Church Becomes Your Party: Contemporary Gospel Music, was named a Notable Book by the Library of Michigan. She is currently researching the continuing impact of the song “Oh Happy Day.”