On Friday morning, June 10th, Gospel artist Kevin LeVar arrived at the White House in Washington, DC, to perform in celebration of African-American Music Appreciation Month. LeVar’s appearance marked the launch of his year-long Forgive and Live Campaign, reaching all 50 states with the goal of restoring families, repairing friendships, strengthening communities and empowering people through the simple act of forgiveness.
LeVar’s 90-minute performance began in the Grand Foyer, but when the gathering crowd continued to grow, the White House staff moved everyone to the East Room, the largest room in the White House, in order to accommodate the audience.
“It was amazing to see the crowd react in a way you would not necessarily expect in a place such as the White House,” said LeVar’s manager Shondale Bostick. “White House staff and visitors alike were caught up in the music, and they clapped, cried, lifted their hands and sang along. It was powerful.”
Kevin LeVar and One Sound performed songs from their debut album Let’s Come Together, including “He Reigns,” “Hiding Place,” “I’ll Say Yes” and his hit single “A Heart That Forgives,” which has created a movement to inspire one million acts of forgiveness.
“Being able to go to the White House, and to have the opportunity to share my music and especially the message of forgiveness, is a dream come true,” says LeVar. “It was beautiful to see the diverse faces in the crowd and how they all connected with the simple message of the power of forgiveness.”
The White House performance follows LeVar’s May 5th appearance at the National Day of Prayer Congressional Briefing on Capitol Hill, where his performance of “A Heart That Forgives” led to a standing ovation from an audience that included Congressman John Conyers, Congressman Trent Franks, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Senate Chaplain Barry Black.
The year-long Forgive and Live Campaign will make its first public stop on Sunday, July 10, 2011, at Jericho City of Praise in Landover, Maryland. The free event will include performances by special guests including Gospel legends CeCe Winans and Hezekiah Walker, former Commissioned member Marcus Cole, Coco Brother and many more. For details, visit http://www.forgiveandlivetoday.org .
LeVar’s 2008 debut album (Universal Christian Music Group) was so well received by the Gospel community and beyond that 2010 saw the release of Let’s Come Together (Deluxe Edition) – an all-new expanded version with 4 new songs plus a bonus DVD filled with extra content. For more information on Kevin LeVar, visit www.kevinlevar.com
