"I had the awesome opportunity to travel to Benin, West Africa in the fall of 2003 to sing in the Gospel and Roots Festival. It was nothing like I’d ever experienced in my life and it still feels like it was yesterday. The people were warm, friendly and loving. I felt connected – like I’d known them all of my life. Even though we could not speak each others language, we hugged and communicated. When I sang on the Atlantic Ocean at “The Gate Of No Return”, it seemed as though I had been there before. I cried, because I realize many of my roots and ancestors died or were killed on that land. As I looked at the people, my heart went out to them because they appear to be so happy with so little, but do you know why they’re happy- because they have lots of pride and dignity. I look forward to traveling there in the near future."

Alberta Coleman
Baton Rouge, LA
Gospel Recording Artist