Early in 1988, three black Citadel Cadets were walking on campus and talking about starting a gospel choir at The Citadel. Getting the organization chartered was a struggle, but the three cadets, Tommy French, Kenyatta Jackson and Charles Wallace were determined men. They fought with the administration until the charter for The Citadel Gospel Choir was official.
The first officers were elected in 1988. Charles Wallace was the first President. Keith Johnson was the first Vice President. Dale Rivers was the first Treasurer, a position which he held for two years. Sean Roberts was the first Chaplain of The Citadel Gospel Choir.
The Citadel Gospel Choir made its first performance in February 1988 at a black history month program. The choir consisted of 20-25 cadets. During that year the Choir also performed at the Charleston Air Force Base, as well as many local churches in the Charleston area. The choir made its first joint performance with the College Of Charleston Gospel Choir in 1988. In these early days, the choir did not have a pianist so most performances were done acapella. For academic and administrative reasons, the choir limited itself to two performances per month.
The Citadel Gospel Choir went on its first tour during Spring Break of 1989. The destination was Heritage USA in Fountain Inn, South Carolina. The choir also performed at an Easter Sunday Service at Morehouse College in Atlanta on their first tour.
"Unfortunately for us, Morehouse was on Spring Break but we still had fun and helped to spread Gods' word," says Capt. Rivers, Tactical officer of Second Battalion and a pioneer of The Citadel Gospel Choir.
Today The Citadel is no longer an all male institution. The Citadel Gospel Choir is also no longer an all male organization. The choir is culturally diverse; it consists of Caucasian, Asian, Caribbean, African and Hispanic cadets. This choir is definitely one of the most diverse groups on campus. When singing for the Lord, race does not matter.
