The newly created "Determining Our Own Destiny" Gospel Ensemble performed, recorded, and video taped on Friday, February 10, 2006 at 7pm at Love Center Church, pastored by Bishop Walter Hawkins at 10440 International Blvd. Oakland, CA 94603.

The unique concert event was free to the public, and showcased a host of local talents - vocalists and musicians. What made this event so unique was that it lifted up several persons living with HIV! While not all of the musicians and vocalists are living with HIV, it is this collaborative effort of those living with HIV and those who are not infected with HIV to increase awareness of HIV in the African American community and to encourage HIV and STD testing that made this concert event so unique!

We held this concert to encourage those living with HIV; to encourage Testing in the African American community; to encourage the black gospel music industry to become more aware and more sensitive to the needs of those living with HIV. We also promoted this concert to bring more awareness of the need to stop HIV in the larger African American community; to encourage the African American churches to participate in spreading the word about HIV; to record a history of African Americans living with HIV and finally, to raise funds to help in the elimination of HIV in the African American community.

We had several incredibly anointed gospel singers and musician whose voices inspired and encouraged our hearts with the good news uniquely expressed in black gospel music. We were also anointed with a word of hope by the Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Samuel, Pastor and Organizer, Victory for the World Church, Atlanta Georgia.

info@determiningourowndestiny.com