Ms Frederica Coleman, Harpist, and Mrs. Carolyn Muhammad, will be the featured Black History celebration artists at St. Paul A.M.E. Church on Feb. 21 during the 11 a.m. service hour.
Ms. Coleman began her musical studies with piano lessons when she was six. Ms. Coleman began studying the harp at age 13 with Caroline Brown Gregg, the principal harpist with the Alabama Symphony. Ms. Coleman continued her studies with Elizabeth Cifani at Northwestern University and later earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree of Music.
Ms. Coleman’s professional career began in the Chicago area where she performed with several regional orchestras, such as the Northwest Indiana Symphony and the Southwest Michigan Symphony. Ms. Coleman also played regularly at several hotels including a 12 year run as the Afternoon Tea harpist at the Drake Hotel. Ms. Coleman has entertained for numerous private, political, and corporate functions throughout her career.
Mrs. Carolyn Muhammad is a graduate of Alabama A&M University in Huntsville. During her early years at Alabama A&M, Mrs. Muhammad participated in a range of activities such as modeling and sports. Mrs. Muhammad developed an interest in the Drama Club, performing locally in many plays and was encouraged to participate in the Miss Black Universe Pageant where she secured first place in the talent category for the state of Alabama.
Mrs. Muhammad will portray Mary McLeod Bethune, well-known black educator and civil right leader, the founder of Daytona Normal and Industrial School for Negro Girls, which later became known as Bethune-Cookman College.
Mrs. Muhammad currently works as an advocate for abused women in the Birmingham area.