Compton, CA Gospel Choir Sweeps Competition

BLACK, AFRICAN AMERICAN, MINORITY, CIVIL RIGHTS, DISCRIMINATION, RACISM, , RACIAL EQUALITY, BIAS, EQUALITY, culture

COMPTON, CA -- The Voices of Destiny, located in Compton, CA, under the leadership of Pastor Michael J.T. Fisher of The Greater Zion Church Family was Crowned "Best Church Choir in America" at the Verizon Wireless "How Sweet the Sound" contest in Washington, DC on November 13. VOD took the competition by storm with an electrifying, smartly choreographed dance performance fused with song. The performance brought the sold-out crowd on their feet.

In an earlier interview, Pastor Fisher says, "I just remember sitting in the audience last year in amazement of the choirs. I said to myself, we are going to be in this competition next year! Not really believing my own thoughts but, I think I was just dreaming in the moment and now here we are and everything seems so surreal. We are grateful and honored all at the same time."

Their journey began October 11, 2010 when VOD won the regional competition at the Staples Center in Los Angeles with show stopping performance to a remix of Bryon Cage's "The Presence of the Lord." The $15K prize money was used to make repairs around the church. That victory landed them a spot to compete on the National level in Washington, DC. The evening was hosted by multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning gospel artists CeCe Winans and Donald Lawrence. Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark Sheard and Fred Hammond served as judges. VOD competed against 13 of the best choirs from around the world. Again, dazzling and astounding the audience with an unprecedented performance, they were crowned "Best Choir in America" taking home cash and prizes total lying $42K. The winnings will be used to help build a youth center in their community.

"We are closer than ever to building our youth center. This youth center will literally save kids lives. It will provide a safe place for them away from the streets" says 31 year old, Pastor Fisher.

VOD's hard work and commitment has paid off! On Saturday, December 11, 2010, VOD will share the stage with some of the biggest names in gospel music as they perform with gospel recording artist James Fortune at the 2010 BET Celebration of Gospel hosted by Steve Harvey. Other upcoming performances include the Stellar Awards, the 2011 Gospel Superbowl Celebration.