Michael Boykin loves spreading the Gospel using his musical talents. It’s something he’s been doing since he was a child singing in local choirs and groups.

He was recently honored in Atlanta during the 50th anniversary for the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA). Boykin received recognition from the organization’s Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals, formerly known as the Gospel Announcers Guild (GAG). The Sisterhood, an associated group of women professionals, saluted Boykin with the “A Rising Star” award.

“I was blown away,” Boykin said. “To receive this award was phenomenal and major to me. To know that they think of me as someone that’s going to be doing something positive in the industry is great.”

GMWA was founded by James Cleveland along with Albertina Walker in the 1960s. It now has more than 30,000 members and 150 chapters.The event featured professionals from New York, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Miami and other parts of the country. Boykin was proud to represent Sampson County during the event.

“That’s really major for me,” Boykin said. “I’m from this little city called Clinton and it’s not well known. But to do the things I’m doing now in the industry is unbelievable and a dream come true.”

For Boykin, all the credit for his success goes to God. He has been on the radio for 12 years and operates “The Prince of Gospel” show. His music career spans more than 30 years through groups such as The Mighty Voices and The Supreme Angels, a group he’s currently on tour with as lead singer.

“You learn to adjust to the changes,” he said. “It’s changed since the early 80s. I enjoy it. I love it.”

Through the radio show, Boykin enjoys honoring people in the community. Last Sunday, Dr. L.D. Melvin was honored, for his contributions to Gospel and residents in the area. Melvin played a key role in his music career.

“I just wanted the community know how much I loved and appreciated him,” he said. “I wanted the community to be a part of that as well,”

He plans to honor unseen heroes who may not get the recognition they deserve. He expressed how it can be a nurse, doctor or even a janitor.

“I feel like we’re all successful in our own right because we all play a part in making this community what it is,” he said. “Without the janitor, you wouldn’t have clean buildings. Without the doctor, you wouldn’t have healthy people.

Although the recognition does not have an official name, but to him a good idea would be “Give me my flowers while I live.”

“We get up in a funeral and say all these wonderful things, but the person can’t hear it,” he said. “It makes a difference when the person can hear it and feel the love.”

Such efforts, is one of several reasons Boykin was honored by the organization. Officials from the organization stated that Boykin made a difference in the Gospel music industry as a trailblazer and mentor.

“That’s my ministry — being a blessing to others.”

Micheal Boykin was recently awarded for his work in the Gospel music industry.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_Boykin_1-1.jpgMicheal Boykin was recently awarded for his work in the Gospel music industry.

By Chase Jordan

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