City Council Honors Allan Bailey on 20^th Anniversary of Harlem Gospel Choir

he inspiring sound of gospel music practically raised the roof at City Hall recently. The occasion was the 20^th anniversary of the Harlem Gospel Choir, and its founder, Allan Bailey, was being honored with a proclamation.

As Majority Whip Inez Dickens explained, the Harlem Gospel Choir is comprised of members from various churches throughout the entire community of Harlem. Under Bailey’s leadership, it has shared its message of love, peace and harmony with thousands of people all over the world and has raised countless dollars for a variety of children's charities.

Allan Bailey, a 30-year veteran of the entertainment industry, has worked with the likes of Lionel Richie & the Commodores, Prince, Michael Jackson, Mr. T. and Isaac Hayes. He also served as entertainment coordinator for the "Rumble in the Jungle," the famous heavyweight title fight between Mohammed Ali and George Foreman.

Bailey has always used his extensive experience in the entertainment industry to complement his fund-raising endeavors. He assisted in the production of "We Are the World" in 1985, in the production of "USA for Africa" in 1986, and has also been actively involved in fund-raising efforts for the Leukemia Society, the Cancer Foundation, and the United Negro College Fund.

"Today we honor Allan Bailey," the proclamation states, "an individual who has distinguished himself in service to the community. He has enriched us with his presence and achievements and is truly a great friend of the City. Now, therefore, be it known that the Council of the City of New York most gratefully honors Allan Bailey for his fine contributions to the City and the community."

In accepting his award, Allan Bailey pointed out that Harlem Gospel Choir was first and foremost a ministry. "We minister through our music," he said. "Part of that ministry is that we raise funds for children's charities all over the world because we believe that children are our future. Can I get an amen?"

Let it be noted that he received an enthusiastic amen to that.