John P. Kee returns to his roots


By Jamese Slade
NCCU Staff Writer
the Durham VOICE
thedurhamvoice@gmailcom

The legendary Pastor and recording artist John P. Kee is returning to his roots after 8 years with the New Life Community Choir (NLCC)., The John P. Kee Day concert will be held on Friday, May 21 at Union Baptist Church, the home of Reverend Hammond, at 7 p.m.

posterThe NLCC was formed by Kee in Charlotte in the mid 1980s.

Kee is known for his mixing of traditional gospel with modern contemporary gospel.  The NLCC has received Grammy nominations for the albums “Show Up” and “Strength.”

“He was born in Durham and is a member of the church (Union Baptist Church),” said Rev. Gloria Aghogah, Executive Director of the Vision of Generation 2000 Ministries, Inc.

To get Kee to do the event was not a challenge for Aghogah. “It was the favor of God,” she said. “I picked up the phone and called and the answer was ‘Yes.’”

NECD resident Danita Williams plans to attend John P. Kee Day. “John P. Kee has had a large influence on my spirituality and my growth.”

“It’s always good for a celebrity to return to their roots,” she said.

The event will have “great music, international artists, gospel comedian James Stephens III, who opens for people like Bishop T.D. Jakes and Paula White,” said Aghogah. He has performed at the Apollo and the White House.

“Luther Barnes, record producer, song writer and director is on board,” she said.

During the show attendees will get to see Mayor “Bill” Bell presenting Kee with a proclamation.

John P. Kee day will raise money for a faith-based film titled “Church Ain’t Heaven.”  Currently “Church Ain’t Heaven” is a screenplay written by Aghogah, but with the help of her co-writer Ron Stacker Thompson “Church Ain’t Heaven” is being developed for film.

Thompson was a screenwriter for “Sister Act II” and “A Rage in Harlem.”

“We want local artists to be able to work their talents and gifts in this state,” said Aghogah.  “We want to get the community involved.”

The church holds 900 people, and tickets are $20.

“We expect the church to be filled,” said Aghogah. “I would personally like to invite everyone to come to the concert.”

Union Baptist is located at 904 N. Roxboro Street. Tickets can be found at www.ticketsareavailable.com or at family Christian stores in Durham.  If you would like group tickets, email aghogah@yahoo.com.