Jackson Free Press

When human-rights activist Ray Barnett saw a BBC special documenting the 150,000 children fleeing persecution in war-torn Uganda, he knew he wanted to help. Barnett, who had done extensive humanitarian work in Uganda and other African countries, realized how he could help while on a trip to Uganda. A man asked Barnett to drive his son into town, and the young boy sang the whole way.

"Inspired by the singing of one small boy, we formed the first African Children's Choir to show the world that Africa's most vulnerable children have beauty, dignity and unlimited ability," Barnett writes on the choir's Web site.

In 1984, Barnett formed the first African Children's Choir. The first tour funded the children's education and the construction of an orphanage in Kampala.

Since then, 34 other African Children's Choirs have toured North America and the U.K., raising awareness and hope for children who have lost parents to poverty, disease and war. Two choirs are currently touring North America, ACC publicity administrator Dawna Hodgins says, and have been performing to standing-room-only audiences.

The children, aged 7 to 12, combine traditional African dance and rhythm with gospel and contemporary songs in their show "Journey of Hope," which came to Jackson last month. The choir returns to the Jackson area March 20 and 22 for a free concert at Triumph Church in Vicksburg and New Jerusalem Church in Jackson, respectively.

For more information on the African Children's Choir, visit http://www.africanchildrenschoir.com.