Gospel singer receives Sage Award at UIndy
By Cecilia Perdomo, Staff Writer
Gospel and R & B singer Jearlyn Steele was an honored guest at the fourth annual “Gathering of the African-American Sages” and the “Gospel Extravaganza 2008” concert hosted by UIndy’s Ecumenical and Interfaith Programs.
Steele, an Indiana native, is a performer, speaker, radio talk show host and entertainment reporter. “The Gathering of the African American Sages” took place in Ransburg Auditorium and included a talk and performance by Steele.
Steele is the fourth person to receive the Sage Award. According to Associate Director of Career Services Lela Mixon, the Sage Award is given to a person who has had an impact on African-American culture.
“I know that the Sage Award is given to someone they believe is a wise person,” Steele said. “It is such an honor.”
The “Gospel Extravaganza” was held in the Ruth Lilly Performance Hall in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center on Saturday, Feb. 23. The celebration started with a Gospel choir clinic from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the concert from 7:30 to 9 p.m. According to Mixon, 54 people attended the clinic, and it was about different groups including the UIndy choir, which was able to perform with Steele and her brother.
The “Extravaganza” featured Steele and her brother Billy Steele from the Grammy Award winning ensemble,
The Sounds of Blackness.
“I work with a lot of great musicians and public speakers. [It is different] when I work with my family,” Steele said. “We are good individually, but we are best when we work together.”
The two events were part of the Black History Month celebration. Steele expressed how important it is to remember the struggles.
“It is something that we should be living and learning everyday,” Steele said. “It is also about the relationship between the white and black brothers and sisters that stood together during slavery and the Civil War.”
Steele has traveled around the world and recorded with several artists including Prince and George Clinton.
However, Steele said professional singing was not in her plans when she was growing up.
“I went to college, and I had no idea I was going to sing professionally,” Steele said. “It wasn’t in my plans; it was in God’s plans.”
Steele said she has had a great connection with UIndy and may be back.
“If I am invited back, I would love to come,” Steele said.
