Healing Voices: A Sound of Restoration Echoes in Morgan Park
By Christopher Tru Hood
On the South Side of Chicago, where trauma and triumph often collide, something extraordinary broke through the noise — a sound not of protest, but of healing.
On the evening of July 3, 2025, inside the historic walls of APC Morgan Park (11401 S Vincennes Ave, Chicago, IL 60643), voices from across the globe and around the corner united for one purpose: healing through music. Hosted by Chicago’s own Zeke Locke, the event, aptly titled “Healing Voices,” was more than a concert — it was a divine appointment.
The SOVA Gospel Mass Choir, an international ensemble based in Geneva, Switzerland, brought its powerful praise across oceans and languages. Their harmonies hit like thunder and soothed like rain, pouring down a sound that felt like heaven touching the city’s hurt.
Local gospel legend Ernesha Ledbetter-Miller tore the house down with an anointed performance that stirred the spirit. Her voice—raw, honest, and reverent—left the audience shouting, crying, and clapping in a collective moment of release.
As a performer, videographer, and community voice, I had the honor not only of capturing but also of experiencing this event in real time. The TikTok I posted from that night, @truhood, captured the moment when praise became power and healing felt tangible.
“When voices come together, hearts start to heal.” — @truhood
The Power Behind the Praise: CHRC in Action
The event was sponsored in partnership with the Community Healing Resource Center (CHRC) Network, powered by Live Free Illinois (livefreeillinois.org). Their mission? Reduce gun violence. Support trauma survivors. Rebuild communities.
CHRC uses a trauma-informed, community-based model to provide services like:
- Clinical counseling
- Case management
- Individual & group therapy
- Support and advocacy groups
- Self-care and safety guidance
These aren’t just checkboxes — they’re lifelines. Especially for neighborhoods like Morgan Park/Roseland, where APC serves as a beacon of faith and resilience.
“Every resident in a high-risk community is impacted. We serve the entire community.” — CHRC Mission Statement.
The CHRC staff aren’t just workers — they’re healers. Trained in compassion, cultural competency, and care, they walk alongside survivors of gun violence, grief, and generational trauma.
Voices From the Community
I spoke with Zeke Locke, who described the night as “a moment of divine disruption.” He said, “This wasn’t about performance. This was about presence — God’s presence, and our community being present with each other.”
During the event, Cortni, a community advocate whose presence was felt in the crowd, said, “These kinds of events are more than just a chance for us to regain hope – they also allow us to remember who we are and what we stand for.”
Ari Simone (Ariann Rogers), another attendee, added, “When you see Black and brown joy and healing in the same space, it changes you. You walk away different.”
More Than a Moment — A Movement
What happened at APC wasn’t just an event — it was a spark. A reminder that even in a city bruised by violence and burdened by injustice, healing is still possible. It begins with unity. It begins with music. It starts with us.
For more information on the services offered by CHRC or how you can get involved, please visit the website at: livefreeillinois.org
Visit the following links to watch video and multimedia coverage of the event:
TikTok: @truhood
YouTube: Community Healing Voices @ APC
Official APC Church Site: apcmorganpark.org
Christopher Tru Hood is a gospel artist, storyteller, videographer, and student journalist dedicated to capturing voices that bring healing to his city.
@truhood Community Healing voices @APC Hosted By Zeke Locke
♬ original sound – Christopher Tru Hood
@truhood @zeke.locke #healingvoices on camera me #truhood #trending #truhoodstudio #fyp #f4f dope vibe with #zekelocke #FaithThroughMusic ♬ original sound – Christopher Tru Hood
@truhood When voices come together, hearts start to heal. 💔➡️💖 Shoutout to the special guest choir for blessing Chicago with sound from heaven! #HealingVoices #ZekeLocke #TruHoodStudio #PraiseBreak #foryoupage❤️❤️ #fyp @Zeke Locke @truhoodphotography #truhood ♬ original sound – Christopher Tru Hood
@truhood Enjoy the night
♬ original sound – Christopher Tru Hood
Healing Voices: Singing Through the Pain, Singing Toward Peace
A Divine Disruption of Harmony and Hope on Chicago’s South Side
The Event: July 3, 2025 – A Sacred Gathering
On the eve of Independence Day, a different kind of freedom rose within the historic **APC Morgan Park** in Chicago’s South Side. “Healing Voices” transformed the space into a sanctuary where **music met ministry**, offering a unique wave of healing to the community.
What It Was
More than a concert, it was a **community outreach event** focused on **healing through the joy of music**. A safe space for emotional release and spiritual renewal.
Where It Happened
The iconic **APC Morgan Park**, located at **11401 S Vincennes Ave, Chicago, IL 60643**. A beacon of faith and resilience in the heart of Morgan Park/Roseland.
The Atmosphere
A **soft hum of gospel harmony** danced through the walls, creating an immersive vibe where every voice contributed to a collective feeling of comfort and peace.
The Catalysts of Healing: Voices That Soared
International and local talents converged, their performances delivering more than just songs – they delivered **healing agents** directly to the soul.
SOVA Gospel Mass Choir
Hailing all the way from **Geneva, Switzerland**, their international harmonies resonated deeply, creating a sound that felt like **heaven touching the city’s hurt**. Their music transcended language, speaking directly to the spirit.
Ernesha Ledbetter-Miller
Chicago’s own gospel legend delivered an **anointed and raw performance** that stirred the spirit. Her powerful voice led the audience into a collective moment of spiritual release and profound renewal.
Hosted by Zeke Locke
Founder of “Healing Voices,” Zeke Locke guided the evening with a vision of divine disruption. “This wasn’t about performance,” he noted. “This was about **presence — God’s presence, and our community being present with each other.**”
The Backbone of Impact: CHRC Network & Live Free Illinois
Powering “Healing Voices” and ensuring its lasting impact is the **Community Healing Resource Center (CHRC) Network**, driven by **Live Free Illinois**. Their mission provides a vital lifeline to communities affected by violence and generational trauma.
- Reduce Gun Violence: Directly addressing and mitigating the cycle of trauma.
- Support Trauma Survivors: Offering specialized care for profound, lasting healing.
- Rebuild Communities: Strengthening the fabric of neighborhoods from within, fostering resilience.
- Comprehensive Services: Including Clinical Counseling, Case Management, Individual & Group Therapy, Support Groups, and Safety Guidance.
CHRC staff are more than just workers; they are **healers**, trained in compassion and cultural competency, walking alongside those affected by violence and grief.
Voices from the Community: The Ripple Effect of Joy
The true measure of “Healing Voices” lies in the profound personal impact it had on attendees, fostering hope and redefining community connection.
Cortni, Community Advocate
“These kinds of events are more than just a chance for us to regain hope – they also allow us to **remember who we are and what we stand for.**”
Ari Simone (Ariann Rogers), Attendee
“When you see **Black and brown joy and healing in the same space, it changes you.** You walk away different.”
“Healing Voices” wasn’t just an event; it was a powerful reminder that even in a city bruised by challenges, healing is possible. It begins with unity, it begins with music, and it begins with us.
Join the movement of healing and restoration in our community!
Discover More at LiveFreeIllinois.org“Healing Voices” returns every **2nd & 4th Thursdays** at APC Morgan Park (7 PM – 8:30 PM).
Follow **Zeke Locke on Facebook** for updates.