VocalEssence Chorus

Known by many for her time as a member of Sweet Honey In The Rock®, Dr. Ysaÿe Marie Barnwell is equally beloved as a composer, singer, and leader of communal singing. Barnwell set the words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a musical invitation to lead with our hearts as we seek to enter into beloved community with
one another.

3. LOVE
At the center of non-violence is the power of LOVE.
So, if we must choose a weapon let it only be LOVE.
Power at its best is LOVE,
Implementing the demands of justice.
Justice at its best is LOVE,
correcting everything that stands against LOVE.
At the center of non-violence is the power of LOVE.
So, if we must choose a weapon
let it only be LOVE,
Redemptive LOVE.
—Adapted from the writings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Ysaÿe M. Barnwell