AKOMA

AKOMA is Rochester’s African-American Women’s Gospel Choir whose West African Akan name means patience, endurance, consistency, and faithfulness. After a debut performance in August of 1995 for Women Fest – a daylong celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Women’s Right to vote – the group of 35 women decided to embrace a vocal and spoken word ministry that encompassed their diverse faith traditions and their love for gospel music.

Under the direction of Janet Rugless-Poles, executive music director; Cheryl Holloway, conductor/soloist; and Arlette Miller Smith, founder/executive director, the group adopted the name AKOMA because it symbolizes their African heritage while highlighting their strong spiritual roots, along with their desire to serve the Rochester community. In fact, more than 17 Rochester area churches are represented on AKOMA’s current roster of more than 45 sister-members. For more information, visit www.akoma.org.