On Sunday, January 18th, 2026, a cathartic Martin Luther King tribute concert was held at Westwood Lutheran Church. VocalEssence Associate Artistic Director G. Phillip Shoultz, who is also the cantor at Westwood, curated the program, which was inspired by a well-known MLK quote, “faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
The VocalEssence Singers Of This Age performed several pieces, including versions of “Khumbaya” and “People Get Ready.” In addition to wonderful solos from Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, Jhadiya Steele, Joe Davis, and Chadwick “Niles” Phillips, Suzette Gilreath and dancers from her group, One Accord, also performed. Featured speakers included St. Louis Park mayor Nadia Mohammed and St. Louis Park school superintendent Dr. Carlondrea Hines who spoke to the gathered audience, a practically full house.
There were two calls to action as part of the concert. One was a love offering that raised over $5,000 for the St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP). The second was a community service project led to the assembling and distribution of over 200 care packages given to those experiencing homelessness and cold weather.
Click the button below to watch the replay of this event.
