Governor Proclaims Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc. Week 2023

WHEREAS, in March 1967, James Cleveland developed and built the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc. to perpetuate and promote gospel music; and

WHEREAS, the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) is a Christian organization, convening annually, where national performers, recording artists, new and inspiring songwriters, educators, liturgical dancers, pastors, and others of all ages minister to one another; and

WHEREAS, the object of the association is to perpetuate, promote, and advance their faith through the medium of music by joining together gospel choirs, choruses, singers, and songwriters throughout the nation for education, cooperation, promotion, and communication of ideas and ideals; and

WHEREAS, the organization has operated for nearly six decades, and is considered by many to be one of America’s treasured music institutions; to this day, it is one of the largest artistic organizations of its kind in the world, with 75,000 members in more than 185 chapters stretching from North America to Asia; and

WHEREAS, active GMWA membership ranges from professional and amateur gospel vocalists to instrumentalists, composers, arrangers, directors, and producers; approximately 75 percent of the music on Billboard's Gospel Charts is written, arranged, produced, or performed by GMWA members; and

WHEREAS, each year, thousands of delegates assemble in a selected city for a teaching, learning, and performance-oriented environment; and

WHEREAS, these delegates come with an interest in all styles of gospel music, and the GMWA's divisions and auxiliaries offer services that meet their needs; and

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Chapters of Charlotte, Raleigh, Western North Carolina, and Winston-Salem/Triad of the GMWA will welcome members from around the world to Greensboro, North Carolina to celebrate the 56^th Annual Convention of Rev. James Cleveland’s Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc.;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim July 9 – 14, 2023, as “GOSPEL MUSIC WORKSHOP OF AMERICA, INC. WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.