Praises Through Song and Dance

Ebony Expressions

Initially started as an offshoot of Black Student Organization, Ebony Expressions served as not just a creative outlet but also a religious one. The gospel choir performed on and off campus, and was even given special permission to perform with founder Timothy Allmond during his senior recital. Today, Ebony Expressions still exists with the same goal; “to be a service to the campus and community by seeking to be a source of spiritual revival to both the students and the local community fellowships through song.”

Photograph of Ebony Expressions, circa 1990s. Colonial Echo Photograph Collection, UA 8.001

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"Ebony Expressions at The New Shiloh Baptist Church" program, 1978, Student Organizations Collection, UA 7.047

Ebony Expressions Spring Concert program, 1982. Student Organizations Collection, UA 7.047

Rodney Williams & Orchesis

African American students were not just limited to black organizations. Take Rodney Williams, for example: Before graduating from William & Mary in 1980, Rodney Williams became the first African American member of Orchesis Dance Company, a dance troupe that has been at William & Mary since 1941. Even after graduation, Williams continued to work with Orchesis. He choreographed for the group and returned for various other dance events on campus.

Photograph of Orchesis (Rodney Williams pictured far right), circa 1980s. Colonial Echo Photograph Collection, UA 8.001

W&M Lecture Series poster, 1988. Student Organizations Collection, UA 7.047

"Praises: A Tribute Through Song and Dance" program, 1984. Student Organizations Collection, UA 7.047