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Voices raised to celebrate 20 years of Unity Performing Arts Foundation

89.1 WBOI | By Julia Meek
Published December 28, 2021 at 5:13 PM EST
Voices of Unity Choir, performing at the opening ceremonies of the World Choir Games, Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2012, featuring Grammy winner Kirk Franklin.
Courtesy of UPAF
Voices of Unity Choir, performing at the opening ceremonies of the World Choir Games, Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2012, featuring Grammy winner Kirk Franklin.

Fort Wayne’s Unity Performing Arts Foundation is celebrating its 20th season this coming year as it develops plans to go forward with former students now in key leadership positions.

1st ever Choir Games in Shaoxing, China, 2010, winning the World Grand Championship title for Gospel and gold medals for Pop & Gospel categories.
Courtesy of UPAF
1st ever Choir Games in Shaoxing, China, 2010, winning the World Grand Championship title for Gospel and gold medals for Pop & Gospel categories.

What began as a dream for its founder & CEO, Marshall White, in the early 1990’s became a platform for area youth who were underexposed to the arts to be able to enjoy the music of their time.

This quickly evolved, he explains, “into a full blown character and leadership development concept, connecting them to one another, as well as the arts, creating bonds, fellowships & friendships for life.”

WBOI’s Julia Meek discussed the legacy and its evolution with White and early alumni Aspen Hill & Jordan Applegate.

You can connect with the group and find more information at the Unity Performing Arts Foundation website.
Arts & Culture
Julia Meek
A Fort Wayne native, Julia is a radio host, graphic artist, and community volunteer, who has contributed to NIPR both on- and off-air for forty years. Besides being WBOI's arts & culture reporter, she currently co-produces and hosts Folktales and Meet the Music.
See stories by Julia Meek