The Eastern Illinois University Unity Gospel Choir will present the annual AAHM Gospel Celebration “God is in Control” at 6 p.m. Sunday in the University Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

The Unity Choir and In Christ 4 Christ praise dance team will partner for African-American Heritage Month to minister and dance for students, faculty and staff.

DeAndrea Brown, president of Unity Gospel Choir, said the group is trying different songs to get in touch with different groups on campus.

“Songs can range from old school to new school, but they will always be gospel,” Brown said. “Some songs can be upbeat, but they can also be slower and more worship-like.”

The choir will always try to sing a song that is popular because they want everyone to feel welcomed.

Asha Hoover, a co-vice president of Unity Gospel Choir, said they asked Josh Montegue to M.C. the event because he did a great job at a previous event.

“The connection that he had with the people when you enter into with God was great,” Hoover said.

KeNuu White, IC4C dance member, said the praise dance team will be ministering through dance to “He Always Makes a Way” by James Fortune.

“Some people don’t know how to pray or talk to others and they turn to dance,” White said. “You can express yourself through the words and feelings of the song.”

Brown and Hoover encourage everyone to come out and join in on the event.

“It’s important for students to come out because not many African-American Heritage Month events are religious-based so this brings that balance,” Brown said.

Hoover said the group still has the mentally of God and ministering, but with a new, fresh look.

“Our ancestors sang hymns and old spirituals, we do the same thing,” Hoover said. “It is OK to be young and love God through worship.”

The Unity Gospel Choir ministers regularly at Wesley United Methodist Church, but also travels throughout central Illinois.

Cayla Maurer can be reached at 582-2812 or ccmaurer@eiu.edu.