Donald Lawrence:
On Why Verizon’s “How Sweet the Sound” Competition Can Soothe In Tough Times
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With
so many African Americans in the midst of economic uncertainty, career
upheaval and personal anxiety, the slightest bit of spiritual
expression can be uplifting and help ease some of the stress and
tension. Gospel star Donald Lawrence recognizes that much, and is again
lending his celebrity and love for community to the Verizon Wireless
“How Sweet the Sound” gospel choir competition. Lawrence emceed the
event in 2008 and recently announced that he would be returning in ’09.
“I think it’s great,” Lawrence said of the event. “We’re in that time
when great, amazing, corporate sponsors are [saluting] faith-based
products [and] faith-based people.”
“It
was amazing for Verizon to put on something like this and it’s [given]
gospel music a great look,” Lawrence continues. “I think that in this
time, when people are speaking so negatively, it was great to put
something in the air that [gives] such positive music and such positive
words to people all around the country. It’s been a great experience.”
Performing in 11 cities nationwide, “How Sweet the Sound” offers choirs
the chance to compete for $10,000 in the regional event, and up to
$50,000 overall while audiences are treated to some of the most rousing
and powerful gospel performances anywhere.
“You
know, faith can move mountains,” says Lawrence. “Even when situations
are hard … [the] thing we have to be reminded of daily is that we are
people of faith, we are people who realize that we can speak with
power. Speaking the word of the Lord every day can change any
problematic situation. That’s what gospel music does.” –todd williams
For more information, please visit www.howsweetthesound.com.
