Overview

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 vote-the 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-three Rochester area churches are currently represented on AKOMA’s 2024 roster of thirty-eight 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 nine 2024 recipients, AKOMA has awarded one hundred and sixty-nine (169) college-bound young African American women, a portion of the more than $263,000 collected as a part of the NPC Scholarship fund.