Yolanda Adams lends her voice to the 7th annual Twin Cities ‘Power to End Strokes’ concert

On Wednesday, April 15, four-time Grammy winner Yolanda Adams performed at “The Twin Cities Most Powerful Voices Gospel Concert” held at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in St. Paul. The concert, sponsored by HealthPartners and Regions Hospital, was free of charge and jam-packed, with an overflow of fans having to view the concert from a big screen outside the event.

Cindy Kaigama of the American Heart Association, greeted the crowd saying, “We do
this annually to empower participants to become more aware and do the things necessary to reduce their risks for stroke.”

The host of the show, Kimberly Brown, reiterated this theme throughout the evening, and made a point to inform attendees that African Americans are disproportionately affected by risks of stroke, and have the highest rate of strokes among all racial and ethnic groups in the U.S.

Brown went on to list the greatest contributing factors to strokes — sodium/salt, fast foods and pre-made food kits, obesity, high blood pressure and smoking.

She then introduced Lorajean Jordan, who told the story of how after having been told for several years she was in good health, she had to be rushed to the hospital for life-saving heart surgery. Jordan delighted the crowd with a resounding vocal performance that showed just how far she’d come from illness.

Next, the audience enjoyed the encouraging sounds of local choirs, including the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Choir, and James Grear and Company, who have been together for 25 years. All the performances were impressive and paved the way for the thrilling powerhouse vocals of Yolanda Adams.

Entering through the audience, Adams greeted the crowd with, “When God’s hand are on you, you will complete the assignment He has given you,” before diving into melodies like a songbird; her voice sweet, but powerful enough to fill the room.

Adams shared some stories, and stayed true to the cause of the evening by reminding the audience, “Prospering comes when you are in good health… ” She then went into one of her largest hits, “Be Still,” released in May of 2011 from her album Becoming.

Adams left us with inspiring words: “He is always watching; yes, someone is watching over you!” and sang “The Battle is Not Yours” to close the concert.

Visit http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG for more info on stroke prevention. Raymond Jackson welcomes reader comments to rayjackson49@yahoo.com.