AKOMA is Rochester’s African American Women’s Gospel Choir whose West African Akan name
means patience, endurance, consistency and faithfulness. AKOMA’s adinkra symbol, the heart,
indicates compassion, tenderness and charity. AKOMA’s vocal and spoken word ministry is rooted
in the African American sacred song and oral traditions.
After a debut performance in August of 1995 for Woman Fest-a day-long celebration of the 75th
Anniversary of Women’s Right to votethe group of thirty-five women decided to embrace a musical
ministry that reflects their diverse faith traditions and love for gospel music. The group adopted the
name AKOMA because it symbolizes their African heritage, spiritual roots and desire to serve the
Rochester community. Dr. David A. Anderson/Sankofa recommended the name AKOMA, based on
research and knowledge of the group’s mission. Twenty-seven Rochester area churches currently
are represented on AKOMA’s 2013 roster of more than 50 active sister-members. On June 22, 1996,
AKOMA made her debut concert and established the Nona Patterson Chambers (NPC) Scholarship
in honor of her elder member and adopted mother. Three recipients received the Mother Nona
Scholarship in its first year. Since that time and including the 2012 recipients, AKOMA has awarded
eighty college-bound young African American women, a portion of the $62,000 collected as a part
of the NPC Scholarship fund.
Join AKOMA as they celebrate their 20th Anniversary on Saturday, June 13 6PM at Mt Olivet Baptist
Church. A free will offering will be taken to support their scholarship program.
