CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Songs of celebration from Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, and Curtis Mayfield filled the air at Symphony Center as the Chicago Children's Choir marked Black History Month.
"Today we are celebrating Black History Month. This year's theme is African Americans and the vote," said Josephine Lee, President, Artistic Director.
The Black History Month concert series has been a tradition for more than 30 years.
"Our program evolves with the times, but we respect our past. We honor composers who were part of the struggle and who are still composing today and making a difference," Lee said.
More than 4,000 singers from Chicago Children’s Choir’s In-School program will be singing over the course of three days.
Lee said in some cases, the choir’s program is the only arts education offered to students within the school.
Eighty percent of youth served are from low-moderate income homes, they represent 100 schools, with over 4,000 students annually participating completely free of charge. Many In-School singers join one of the Choir’s 11 after-school neighborhood programs.
"It's about creating a platform for young people to experience the world, not only on a local, but a global stage," she said.
The three-day Black History Month concert series continues through Wednesday and will feature the Choir’s world-renowned Voice of Chicago performance ensemble, along with thousands enrolled in the Chicago Children’s Choir In-School program.
The event is the second largest event, next to the "Paint the Town Red' event at Pritzker Pavillion on May 21.