The Morgan State University choir will be performing at “Freedom Sounds: A Community Celebration”, in concurrence with the grand opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture festivities.

The festival is three days and two nights, starting Sept. 23. Saturday will feature remarks from President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as well as performances by Living Colour, Public Enemy and The Roots.

“It’s always considered a privilege to perform at these national events,” said choir director Eric Conway

The choir will be taking 50 students to perform Sunday at 4 p.m., closing out the festivities with a 45-minute set.

Choir members Kierra Evans, a junior voice major, and Ebonee’ Knight, a junior vocal music major, were both excited and understand the honor it is to take part in this weekend’s festivities.

“It’s life changing. We are a part of something that is going down in history. It’s huge,” said Evans. “It’s great recognition; Public Enemy & The Roots, it’s what my parents grew up listening to. Being in their company is a big thing and my family would be proud.”

Knight said, “HBCUs don’t get as much recognition as we should, so when we get called upon to do these events I always think that it is an honor as a choir member,” said Knight. “They already expect great things from the Morgan State University Choir, and we will perform as we give our all.”

In 2015, the university’s choir performed at the White House, making Conway and the students no strangers to the spotlight.

“This is truly, yet again, another opportunity for the choir to share and for them [the public] to get to know about Morgan State University,” said Conway.