Source: Radio One Digital / Radio One Digital
Black gospel music has always been a cornerstone of cultural expression, spiritual resilience, and community celebration. From the soul-stirring hymns sung during the Civil Rights Movement to the modern anthems of faith and triumph, gospel continues to reflect the heart of Black history. Between 2000 and 2025, gospel music evolved beyond its traditional roots, reaching new heights through groundbreaking collaborations, inspiring stories of perseverance, and a renewed focus on inclusivity.
This era saw gospel music break into mainstream platforms, introduce us to new voices of faith, and remind us of the genre’s ability to heal and unify. From the explosive rise of Maverick City Music to the enduring legacy of Kirk Franklin and the cultural moments captured in films like The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, these milestones reflect the power of gospel to shape lives and tell stories of hope.
In celebration of Black History Month, we honor 25 of the most impactful gospel moments from the past quarter century. These highlights showcase how gospel music and its leaders have strengthened the cultural and spiritual fabric of Black history.
Black gospel music has always been a cornerstone of cultural expression, spiritual resilience, and community celebration. From the soul-stirring hymns sung during the Civil Rights Movement to the modern anthems of faith and triumph, gospel continues to reflect the heart of Black history. Between 2000 and 2025, gospel music evolved beyond its traditional roots, reaching new heights through groundbreaking collaborations, inspiring stories of perseverance, and a renewed focus on inclusivity.
This era saw gospel music break into mainstream platforms, introduce us to new voices of faith, and remind us of the genre’s ability to heal and unify. From the explosive rise of Maverick City Music to the enduring legacy of Kirk Franklin and the cultural moments captured in films like The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, these milestones reflect the power of gospel to shape lives and tell stories of hope.
In celebration of Black History Month, we honor 25 of the most impactful gospel moments from the past quarter century. These highlights showcase how gospel music and its leaders have strengthened the cultural and spiritual fabric of Black history.
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
1. Mary Mary – Shackles (Praise You) 200
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
2. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie’sHistoric Election (2000)
Source:Getty
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
3. Tye Tribbett’s Victory Live Album (2004)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
4. Le’Andria Johnson’s Sunday Best Win (2010)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
5. Kirk Franklin’s Hello Fear Album (2011)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
6. Tamela Mann’s “Take Me to the King” (2012)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
7. Kelontae Gavin’s Viral “I Won’t Complain” (2014)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
8. Priscilla Shirer’s Role in War Room (2015)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
9. War Room Box Office Success (2015)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
10. Koryn Hawthorne’s “Won’t He Do It” (2017)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
11. Gospel’s Influence at Major Events like Coachella (2018)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
12. Aretha Franklin’s Amazing Grace Documentary Release (2018)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
13. Jonathan McReynolds’ Make Room Album (2018)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
14. Bishop T.D. Jakes’ Woman Thou Art Loosed! Conferences & Passing the Torch (2023)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
15. Kanye West’s Jesus Is King Album (2019)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
16. Maverick City Music’s Worship Revolution (2019–Present)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
17. The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel Biopic (2020)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
18. The Clark Sisters’ Return to the Spotlight (2020)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
19. Pastor Mike Jr.’s “Big” (2020)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
20. Tony Evans’ The Tony Evans Study Bible (2020)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
21. Virtual Church Explosion During COVID-19 (2020)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
22. Doe’s Breakout Solo Career (2020)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
23. Elevation Worship and Gospel Collaborations (2020s)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
24. Maverick City Music’s Grammy Win (2023)
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
25. Kirk Franklin’s Stomp Legacy Inspiring a Generation
25 Gospel Moments That Shaped Black History: 2000–2025 was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
