Chantels concert to benefit alliance for racial justice June 18
The Chantels, the groundbreaking African-American girl group of rhythm and blues, is coming to Lewes to help raise funds for the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice. The benefit show will be held at 7 p.m., Saturday, June 18, at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes.
When their 1958 hit song “Maybe” marked a breakthrough for African American female groups in an era dominated by male vocal groups, the Chantels became an overnight success.
The original quintet members attended St. Anthony of Padua's Elementary School in the Bronx, N.Y., and sang in the St. Anthony's Church choir. While their sound was rooted in liturgical music, The Chantels became known for their unique rhythm and blues style.
In 2004, “Maybe” was ranked 199 in Rolling Stone’s Magazine’s 500 Greatest Hits of All Time.
“The Chantels launched their singing careers on Broadway in 1956, and we’re really excited to bring them to Southern Delaware for the Alliance’s first major fundraising event,” said Charlotte King, alliance chair. “We’ll have the three originals, Lois Harris Powell, Sonia Goring Wilson and Renee Minus White, along with their newest member, Naomi White Randolph, who belts out the lead on top hits like ‘Maybe,’ ‘Look in My Eyes’ and ‘I Love You So.’ ”
Proceeds from the concert will support the alliance’s current and expanding programs and activities, all of which aim at ending racism and its corrosive consequences. SDARJ is a nonpartisan organization educating, informing and advocating for racial justice, equality and fair opportunity. While membership has expanded dramatically over the past few years, the organization’s committees continue to rely entirely on volunteers.
The education and scholarship committee publicly recognizes elementary school students for demonstration of leadership, improvement, effort and excellence. It is currently reviewing applications from Sussex County high school seniors for Charlotte King Scholarships awards. Its book and film group meets monthly, both online and in person at the Lewes library.
The legislative/advocacy committee monitors government actions and actively advocates for progress on key issues by engaging government officials, like-minded groups and the media.
The outreach committee hosts monthly town hall meetings, including informational programs with panels of experts and cultural events featuring local leaders and students.
The organization’s new quarterly magazine, Black Voices, aims to create deeper understanding, build bridges and stimulate action and advocacy towards making our society more just and equitable.
The alliance is currently seeking sponsors to cover the costs of bringing the Chantels to Lewes. Sponsorship levels range from $250 to $1,000. Each level offers donors visibility and advance tickets. Bronze sponsors ($250) receive two general admission tickets and a quarter-page ad in the event program. Silver sponsors ($500) receive four VIP tickets and a half-page ad. Gold sponsors ($1,000) receive six VIP tickets, their name on tickets and on all media advertising, and a full-page ad in the event program.
Tickets are now available for $30 and $45. To purchase tickets in advance or to arrange sponsorship go to SDARJ.org.
