Official News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOUISVILLE, KY – Jubilation! Kentucky’s premier celebration of African American heritage, history, culture, and community, continues its tradition of honoring the rich contributions of African Americans through dynamic educational, artistic, and cultural experiences. This year’s programming will feature a special collaborative presentation, “Tracing the Sacred Journey of African Music,” highlighting the enduring influence of gospel music on American culture.
Presented by the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage in collaboration with the Simmons College of Kentucky Music Department, the educational listening room experience will feature “A Joy That Would Not Be Silenced: The Rise and Power of Gospel Music,” facilitated by acclaimed Louisville gospel artist, songwriter, producer, and choir leader Jason Clayborn.
The presentation will explore gospel music’s evolution from its roots in African spiritual traditions and the Great Migration to its impact on churches, concert stages, radio broadcasts, and international audiences. Participants will gain deeper insight into how gospel music became both a profound expression of faith and a catalyst for cultural and social change.
“Jubilation! has always served as a powerful platform to celebrate the stories, traditions, and achievements that have shaped Kentucky and the nation,” said Aukram Burton, Executive Director for the Heritage Center. “Programs like this offer audiences an opportunity to connect with the sacred and cultural roots of African American music while honoring its continuing influence on communities around the world.”
Jason Clayborn’s distinguished career spans decades of musical excellence. A nationally recognized gospel artist, Clayborn has toured throughout the United States, Europe, and Africa and has songwriting credits recorded by renowned artists including Hezekiah Walker, VaShawn Mitchell, Ricky Dillard, and Wess Morgan. His award-winning song “Better” topped Billboard’s Gospel chart and earned recognition from the Grammy Awards, Stellar Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Soul Train Awards, and Dove Awards.
Event Details
Tracing the Sacred Journey of African Music
Featuring: A Joy That Would Not Be Silenced: The Rise and Power of Gospel Music
Facilitator: Jason Clayborn
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Admission: FREE but due to space constraints you need to register at KCAAH.ORG
Location: Kentucky Center for African American Heritage
1701 West Muhammad Ali Boulevard
Louisville, Kentucky
For additional information, visit KCAAH.org.
Media Contact
VIPP Communications
Email: jubilationkcaah@vippcommunications.com
About the exhibit: Jubilation! Ambassadors on a Sacred Journey, the traveling exhibition celebrating the Fisk Jubilee Singers, is open at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage and run through Sunday, February 28, 2027.
