Grammy winners Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle to perform at Voorhees Homecoming concert

Bryson is known for hits like “Reaching for the Sky” and “Can You Stop the Rain.” He has also collaborated with artists such as Roberta Flack and Celine Dion. In addition to his performance, Bryson will serve as the grand marshal in the Voorhees Homecoming Parade, taking place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, in downtown Denmark.

Belle, celebrated for soulful hits like “Baby, Come to Me” and “Make It Like It Was,” will be joining Bryson at the concert. Her Grammy-winning duet with Bryson, “A Whole New World,” remains one of her most iconic collaborations.

“We are delighted to welcome Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle to our Voorhees University Homecoming celebration,” said Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, president of Voorhees University. “Their incredible talent and timeless music will make this year’s Homecoming Concert an unforgettable night.”

The university invites alumni, students, faculty, staff and the community to join in this weekend filled with music, celebration and unity. Tickets for the Homecoming Concert tickets can be purchased online in advance for $35 each or at the door for $45. Due to the high demand, early ticket purchases are recommended.

The Homecoming Concert will follow the Voorhees University Hall of Fame Gala, where seven individuals will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Honorees include the late South Carolina state Sen. John Scott, Allen Anderson, Julia Byrd-Barr, Tiffany Gary, Dr. LaTonya Gillespie-Johnson, Lt. Col. Brittiane Staton and Douglas Stokes.

Scott, an alumnus of South Carolina State University, was a member of the Voorhees University Board of Trustees for over two decades, playing an integral role in the institution’s growth and success.

During his tenure on the board, Scott’s support for Voorhees University resulted in the contribution of millions of dollars, advancing the institution’s mission and impact.

The other inductees are:

• Allen Anderson: A native of Georgetown, Anderson earned a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Voorhees in 1971. His career spanned 32 years with the Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland.
• Julia Byrd-Barr: A 1975 graduate of Voorhees, Byrd-Barr dedicated 33 years to the McDuffie Board of Education as an educator. She received numerous awards throughout her career, including Teacher of the Year.bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in healthcare administration. She was named a 2020 Voorhees University National Alumni Association 10 Under 40 Honoree and a 2023 United Negro College Fund Alumni Hall of Fame Recipient.
• Dr. LaTonya Gillespie-Johnson: After attending Voorhees, Gillespie-Johnson pursued dental school at Marquette University School of Dentistry. She opened her dental office, Southern Pearl Dentistry, in 2019 and is an advocate for oral health awareness.
• Lt. Col. Brittiane Staton: A 2004 Voorhees graduate, Staton has earned several awards during her military career, including the Bronze Star Medal. Her husband, Joseph, and her mother, Terristine Martin, were both Voorhees graduates.
• Douglas Stokes: A 1985 Voorhees graduate, Stokes had a 33-year career in law enforcement, serving in various leadership positions. He became the first African American to serve as a commissioner on the Bamberg Board of Public Works.

For more information about the Voorhees University Hall of Fame induction ceremony and Homecoming events, please visit A full schedule of homecoming events can be found online at: https://voorhees.edu/homecoming-schedule-2023/