To mark the 55th anniversary of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Hudson County Community College will present a special program of gospel, Broadway, and a variety of inspirational musical numbers performed by Angela Birchett and Joey Joseph-DiCarlo.
 
The concert will take place on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. in the Atrium of the Benjamin J. Dineen III and Dennis C. Hull Gallery on the sixth floor of the College’s Gabert Library, located at 71 Sip Avenue in Jersey City – just across the street from the Journal Square PATH Transportation Center. The event is open to the entire community and there is no charge for admission. Light refreshments will be served. Those interested in attending the performance are asked to register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mlks-inspirational-legacy-celebration-registration-483326250827.
 
“It is fitting that we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who advanced civil rights and was awarded the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance,” said HCCC President, Dr. Christopher Reber. “Diversity, equity, and inclusion form the very foundation of the College’s Mission, Vision and Value statements, and are a central priority in HCCC’s 2021-24 Strategic Plan, Student Success Action Plan, and workforce initiatives. This tribute reflects Dr. King’s belief that music and education were powerful catalysts for change.”
 
Angela Birchett is a seasoned vocalist, actor, songwriter, educator, and live music host who made her Broadway debut in the 2015 Tony Award-winning revival of The Color Purple. She has also appeared in several regional and touring companies, including The Color Purple first national tour; Dreamgirlsas Effie White; Once on This Island as Asaka; Smokey Joe’s Café as BJ; and Hairspray national tour as Motormouth. Her television credits include CBS’ Kevin Can Wait and NBC’s Blindspot. Most recently, she starred as Jacky Clark Chisholm in Lifetime’s movie event, The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel that reached 11 million viewers in its opening weekend, making it the most viewed premiere on cable television in 2020.
 
Joey Joseph-DiCarlo is the New York/New Jersey-based pianist who will accompany Ms. Birchett. A Louisiana native, he recently played keyboards in the orchestra for Beetlejuice: The Musical on Broadway. His other credits include Pippin (Broadway/National tour); tours of The Color Purple and Hairspray; and multiple productions at Papermill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ.