What an outstanding time for families to bring their mothers, aunts and daughters who are moms to enjoy this Mother’s Day weekend at the historic Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. The church is inviting the community to a spectacular celebration of sacred music. On Saturday, May 9, at 3:30 p.m., the sanctuary will fill with the sounds of “The Evelyn Concert,” a special tribute highlighting the extraordinary life and talent of Evelyn Simpson Curenton, M.A.
Evelyn is a true “precious jewel” to the Shiloh family and the global church music community. A master composer, arranger and performer, her work spans the beautiful breadth of the Black musical tradition, ranging from soaring anthems and spirituals to the rhythmic heart of gospel and jazz.
A Pillar of Civil Rights and Social Justice: The hosting venue, Shiloh Baptist Church, stands as a powerful beacon of freedom. Founded in 1863 by 21 formerly enslaved people from Fredericksburg, Virginia, the church has been a sanctuary for both the soul and the struggle for equality.
Shiloh’s pulpit has long been a platform for the most influential voices in the Civil Rights Movement. The legendary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. graced the church with his presence multiple times, and the renowned Mary McLeod Bethune was a dedicated member of the congregation.
Under the leadership of visionaries such as Interim Pastor George Mensah Jr., Pastor Emeritus Dr. Wallace Charles Smith and Dr. Henry C. Gregory III, Shiloh became a model for holistic ministry, launching the Shiloh Family Life Center, the first of its kind in the nation. The purpose of the Family Life Center was and still is to provide health, recreational and social services to the Shaw community.
An Afternoon of Inspiration: Under the baton of conductor Dr. Lloyd Mallory, the upcoming concert promises unparalleled artistry. The program features an elite lineup:
• Lyric sopranos: Janice Chandler-Elemé and Marquita Richardson
• Dramatic coloratura soprano: Jeryl Cunningham-Fleming
• Flutist: Dr. Julietta M. Curenton
• Tenor: Larry Thomas
• The Shiloh Baptist Church Senior Choir
This concert is a beautiful way to honor Mom with an afternoon of music and history. While the event is free, sponsorships are welcomed. Contributions can be made via check to Shiloh Baptist Church (memo: Evelyn Concert) or through eGiving at simplegiving.com.
When: Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Where: Shiloh Baptist Church, 1500 Ninth St. NW, Washington, D.C. Note: Parking is limited; attendees are encouraged to use a taxi, Lyft or Uber.
For more information, contact Hazel Thomas (thomashazelb@aol.com) or Dr. Sharon Parker (sharonparker509@gmail.com).
A Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of song and the vessel of your grace, Evelyn Simpson Curenton. We thank you for the legacy of Shiloh Baptist Church, a sanctuary built on faith and freedom. As we gather to honor mothers and celebrate musical genius, let our hearts be lifted and our spirits renewed. May this concert be a joyful noise that reflects your love and the enduring strength of our community. Amen.
Bring your mother out for an exciting concert as we come upon yet another Mother’s Day! Personally, I was born during Mother’s Day week, with my 75th birthday this year coming only a few days before Mother’s Day. My poor mom was a small woman, but she delivered me as a 13-pound bouncing baby girl!
Enjoy your Mother’s Day weekend, everybody! Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms out there — whether you raised them for someone else, you are an adoptive mother, you are a grandmother raising your grandchildren for one reason or another — to each and every one, may God bless you and may Heaven smile down upon you! Amen!
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, go to her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on X @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.
