For more than 20 years, Gospelrama has been a part of Black History Month at HUP. Each year, employees, their families and friends, and members of the community look forward to this evening of music and words.
This approach to spreading the gospel – which means good news-- is part of the African American tradition, said Madeline Dawson, who now leads the Pastoral Care program at PAH. “It’s the bedrock of how these communities survived and thrived, raising their spirits and keeping hope alive.” Indeed, the theme for this popular event remains the same: Be Encouraged.
Denise Statham, HUP’s administrative chaplain, said Gospelrama is unique in the region and “it’s all home-grown talent. We are highlighting the people who are the wind beneath our wings.”
At this year’s event, Ralph Ciampa, who was director of HUP Pastoral Care before retiring, told the history of Gospelrama, which got its start in 1995 as a small celebration of gospel music in HUP’s chapel. He credited three people with creating – and naming – the celebration: Reverend Edward Smith, Terri Salmond, and Sr. Ramona Cecille. It was a small beginning but word spread and soon the audience outgrew the small room and it was moved to Medical Alumni Hall.
Each year’s program continues to attract a variety of gifted, talented musicians, singers, dancers and poets from HUP and the community. Statham, Dawson and her sister, Johnnie Dawson (adjunct chaplain at HUP) organize the celebration, which also includes refreshments (with donations by Morrison’s Catering and Atlas Pizzeria).
“We used to send out fliers asking people to participate but now they come to us!” Statham said, adding that “we make sure that it’s a diverse event.”
Regina Cunningham, PhD, RN, HUP’s chief executive officer, thanked everyone involved for all the work that goes into putting Gospelrama together, calling it both “a spirit of joy and uplifting.”