2014-09-11 08:52

Sister Cities Celebrates 10 years with Swaziland at gospel choir concert

Fort Worth is celebrating its ten-year anniversary as sister cities with Mbabane, Swaziland on Sept. 21 beginning at 3:00 p.m. with a celebration of gospel choirs.  The concert will be held at the Rising Star Baptist Church and is free and open to the public. Choirs from Christ Chapel Bible Church, Mount Olive Baptist Church, Rising Star Baptist Church and Trinity Lutheran Church will perform.   Ms. Jewel Kelly will also speak on the roots of gospel music and the connection to the African continent. Honored guests at the celebration will include a delegation from Swaziland led by Mbabane Mayor Benito Jones and City Manager Gideon Mhlongo.  Commissioner Roy C. Brooks will emcee the event and past Mbabane Committee Chairs Avis Davis and Carlo Capua will speak on the past and future of this special relationship. “We are hopeful that the Fort Worth community will attend to hear some beautiful voices and marimbas.   What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than to feed the soul with beautiful music and warm friendships,” said Rae Hyatt, current Sister Cities Mbabane Chair. Mbabane became Fort Worth’s 7th sister city in 2004 and has provided many beneficial exchanges and local programs.  Annual exchanges include both inbound and outbound youth exchanges, adult service projects, and many humanitarian focused projects including the construction of a health and social center in Mbabane funded in part by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation.