AACRC choir

The African American Cultural & Research Center Choir was founded in the fall of 1992 at the University of Cincinnati and is the brainchild of the visionary Dr. P. Eric Abercrumbie. It was in 1992 that Dr. Abercrumbie envisioned a musical entity that would cultivate the talents of young, gifted African American students who would come together for one common purpose- to inspire the lives of others through the gift of song. Student's who are selected to participate in the Choir are exposed to all types of African music as well as music from other cultures and are given opportunities to grow academically, spiritually, culturally, and socially. The foundation of the Choir is built upon a commitment to create an atmosphere that will give students an outlet to express their artistic talents within a University setting and to encourage a "surrogate family" support system in which students feel comfortable sharing their life experiences.

The African American Cultural & Research Center Choir has been in existence for 14 years and during this time, they have successfully captured the attention of the music community. To date, they have performed with noted artists such as: Bryon Cage, Kirk Franklin, Natalie Wilson and Tramaine Hawkins, and have traveled to the states of Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Florida and Texas to spread joy through song. The African American Cultural & Research Center Choir has also performed before Ossie Davis, Colin Powell, Dr. Maulana Karenga, Benjamin Chavis, Rev. Al Sharpton, Dr. Maya Angelou, and were afforded the blessing to open performances for Yolanda Adams, John P. Kee and the New Life Community Choir and the Williams Brothers at the "1996 GREATER CINCINNATI GOSPEL SHOWCASE." In 1995, the Choir received a third place trophy at the "BLACK EXPO Gospel Explosion" in Louisville, Kentucky and in 1996; they won the honor of "Young Adult Choir of the Year Award of Excellence" at the Cincinnati Gospel Academy Awards of Excellence. The choir was also named the 1st place winners of the “Gospel Collegiate Choir Competition” for 2003 & 2004 at the Gospel Today Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.