Sweet Honey in the Rock Continues to Find Hope in the Darkness

For more than 50 years, the vocal ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock has worked to address the ills of the world through the power of song.

Dozens of vocalists have brought their talents to the ensemble since Bernice Johnson Reagon, a teacher with the Black Repertory Company, formally founded the group in 1973. Since then, the all-female group has tackled myriad social issues through their a cappella musical stylings including civil rights, domestic violence, immigration and—on their 2016 album “#LoveInEvolution”—the toll of gun violence in the United States including those claimed by police violence and by the school shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

“Since we started writing this piece, we’ve had to keep adding names and sadly, we’ll be adding more before things change,” founding member Carol Maillard says of “Second Line Blues,” the track from the album that directly addresses the crisis.

That unflinching approach to society’s most dire issues is nothing new for the storied ensemble which has long examined contemporary society through a musical lens that draws from the rich tradition of Black female music in the United States. With strains of Gospel, spiritual and traditional hymns, the group in its current quartet form never shies from the world’s woes and will surely offer topical depth during its performance at Macky Auditorium on Feb. 28.

Even so, the note that shines through in the group’s music is full of hope and positivity and has always offered promise. The very name of the group hints at a better world—Sweet Honey in the Rock refers to a New Testament psalm that speaks of a world so abundant that even the rocks offer honey when split open. It’s a vision of a world that offers justice, peace and equality.

Through the group’s different iterations, which have featured more than 20 vocalists, that push toward a better world has remained consistent. The current lineup—which consists of members Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil, Louise Robinson and Carol Maillard, as well as featured musician Romeir Mendez—continues the musical mission that has earned the group three Grammy Award nominations and spots on some of the world’s most prominent stages.

The group continues to strive for access and equity, whether it’s through their original compositions, their unique interpretations of music from artists ranging from Marvin Gaye to Bob Dylan or the way that they present their art. The group has long offered American Sign Language interpretations during its shows, a feature that will be part of the group’s performance at Macky

It’s an artistic approach that offers solutions, even in the face of struggle, injustice and darkness.

“We are very forward-thinking as an organization, constantly re-evaluating how we can express concepts to uplift and create change through our music and concerts,” Maillard says. “#LoveInEvolution has a more contemporary sound and feel because as people in the group grow and change, we want to hear different things, feel different things and bring fresh elements to our presentation.”

The performance is proudly sponsored by the Center for African and African American Studies (CAAAS), partnering with CU Presents to celebrate the richness of African and African American arts and culture.

Sweet Honey in the Rock performs on the Artist Series at Macky Auditorium on Feb. 28, 2025.