he University of Michigan Detroit Center continues its 2012-2013 Sankofa Film Series with Sweet Honey in the Rock: Raise Your Voice. The film will be shown on Friday, March 15 beginning at 6 pm. After the showing, Chorale Director and musician Lamar Willis will give a brief talk on the African American sacred music tradition and answer questions about the documentary. The event includes complimentary admission, parking and light refreshments to all attendees.

Sweet Honey in the Rock: Raise Your Voice is a 2005 PBS documentary that uses concert, rehearsal and tour bus footage, along with photographs and interviews to chronicle the history and music of Sweet Honey in the Rock, a Grammy Award-winning African American female a cappella group.

Founded in 1973, the group has featured more than 20 different members in its 40-year history. The current ensemble consists of Ysaye Maria Barnwell, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil, Louise Robinson, Carol Lynn Maillard and Shirley Childress Saxton.

Although the faces have changed with time, Sweet Honey in the Rock has stayed true to its musical roots to create a sound all their own by combining jazz, blues and sacred songs, such as spirituals, hymns and gospel music.

The 2012-2013 Sankofa Film Series is a collaborative effort between U-M Dearborn’s African American Studies Program and the U-M Detroit Center.

For more information on the event, visit: www.DetroitCenter.umich.edu or contact the Detroit Center at detroitcenter@umich.edu / 313-593-3584.